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RATHbOHNt 


Miss  Fairfax  of  Virginia 

A  ROMANCE  OF 

LOVE  AND  ADVENTURE  UNDER 
THE   PALMETTOS 


BY 

ST.  GEORGE   RATHBORNE 

AUTHOR    OF 

"Doctor  Jack,"  "A  Fair  Revolutionist,"   "A   Sailor's  Sweetheart,' 
"A  Chase  for  a  Bride,"   etc. 


NEW  YORK 
STREET  &  SMITH,  PUBLISHERS 

238  WILLIAM  STREET 


COPYRIGHT.  i8gg, 
Bv  STREET  &  SMITH. 


Miss  Fairfax  of  Virginia 


CHAPTER  I. 

PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW. 

THE  genial  summer  sun  had  long  since  dropped  behind 
the  Irish  hills,  and  the  glowing  lights  of  old  Dublin  were 
set  like  rare  jewels  upon  the  dark  bosom  of  mother  earth 
when  Roderic  Owen,  with  a  fragrant  cigar  between  his 
teeth,  walked  to  and  fro  under  the  shadow  of  Nelson's 
column  in  historic  Sackville  street,  now  better  known 
among  loyal  citizens  under  the  name  of  O'Connell. 

Owen  only  arrived  from  Liverpool  on  the  Holyhead 
steamer  that  very  day  and  had  passed  some  hours  upon 
various  tramcars,  surveying  those  portions  of  the  famous 
city  they  traversed. 

It  may  have  given  him  a  thrill  of  satisfaction  to  realize 
that  he  once  more  stood  on  his  native  heath,  which  land 
the  exile  had  not  seen  since,  a  child  of  tender  years,  he 
left  it  in  company  with  his  heart  broken  parents ;  but  two 
decades  in  the  atmosphere  of  free  America  had  made  a 
full-fledged  Yankee  out  of  him,  and  his  heart  was  wholly 
pledged  to  the  interests  of  America. 

Business  had  more  to  do  with  his  flying  visit  across  the 
Irish  sea  than  a  desire  to  look  upon  the  scenes  of  child- 

1711364 


8  PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW. 

hood — these  tender  recollections  might  be  all  very  good 
in  their  way,  but  when  his  country  was  at  war  with  one 
of  the  old  world  powers,  young  Owen's  heart  and  soul 
were  wrapped  up  in  the  interests  he  represented,  and  the 
state  mission  that  had  taken  him  over  the  Atlantic. 

The  public  will  never  learn  more  than  a  small  portion 
of  the  unwritten  history  of  the  Hispano-American  war, 
since  these  memoirs  are  snugly  reposing  in  the  archives  at 
Washington,  where  they  will  rest  until  dusty  with  age. 

Secret  agents  were  employed  in  many  European  capi- 
tals in  the  endeavor  to  discover  the  true  sentiments  of  the 
powers  most  interested,  so  that  in  case  unhappy  Spain 
seemed  in  a  way  to  secure  an  ally,  prompt  measures  might 
be  taken  to  head  off  the  threatened  blow  by  a  sudden 
coup  d'etat,  in  which  our  good  friend  Great  Britain  stood 
ready  to  do  her  part. 

Roderic  Owen,  being  peculiarly  gifted  by  nature  with 
rare  abilities  in  the  line  of  diplomacy,  had  been  remarkably 
useful  in  Berlin,  Paris  and  Vienna,  and  was  now  suddenly 
transferred  to  another  famous  capital  because  it  appeared 
as  though  Dublin  might  be  the  theatre  of  a  little  gathering 
where  matters  of  intense  moment  were  to  be  discussed. 

It  was  evident  from  his  manner  that  he  had  made  the 
Nelson  column  a  rendezvous.  His  eyes  followed  each 
tramcar  that  passed,  and  never  a  jaunting-car  jogged  by 
that  he  did  not  survey  with  growing  interest.  A  hot 
blooded  Spanish  lover  awaiting  the  coming  of  the  black- 
eyed  senorita  with  whom  he  had  made  a  tryst  could  hardly 
have  appeared  more  anxious. 

He  had  just  tossed  away  the  remnant  of  his  weed  and 
was  feeling  for  his  cigar  case  to  draw  out  another  when 
the  expected  happened. 

"At  last !"  he  muttered,  with  a  sigh  of  relief. 


PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW.  9 

Still  he  made  no  abrupt  forward  movement — caution 
had  been  one  of  the  fruits  of  long  diplomatic  service. 
"Everything  comes  to  him  who  waits — and  works,"  is 
the  leading  maxim  of  their  craft. 

A  woman  dismounted  from  a  Rathmines  car  that 
had  just  arrived  at  the  terminus  of  its  journey.  She  was 
garbed  in  the  sombre  black  habiliments  of  a  religious  re- 
cluse belonging  to  one  of  the  many  orders  in  Dublin. 
These  nuns,  serving  often  in  the  capacity  of  Sisters  of 
Charity,  come  and  go  with  the  utmost  freedom,  respected 
by  the  humble  classes  to  whom  they  are  often  angelic  mes- 
sengers in  times  of  distress  or  sickness. 

Just  as  he  expected  the  sombre  robed  passenger  came 
slowly  toward  him  as  though  endeavoring  to  make  sure  of 
his  identity  ere  accosting  him. 

Owen  could  feel  a  pair  of  eager  eyes  fastened  upon 
his  face,  for  there  is  such  a  sensation,  and  it  surprised  him 
to  experience  it. 

Then  came  a  low  voice  breathing  his  name,  and  some- 
how it  had  never  before  sounded  just  the  same  to  him, 
nor  had  he  known  there  was  music  in  its  bare  utterance. 

"I  have  waited  about  half  an  hour  for  you,"  remarked 
the  American,  complacently. 

"Ah !  senor,  I  am  sorry.  It  was  not  my  fault  I  assure 
you,"  she  exclaimed,  eagerly. 

"I  am  certain  of  that,  lady.  Besides,  I  have  no  right  to 
complain  when  one  whom  I  do  not  even  know  goes  to  this 
great  trouble  in  order  to  do  me  a  service." 

She  moved  uneasily  at  his  words,  and  as  if  fearful  lest 
his  ardent  gaze  might  penetrate  beneath  the  veil  she  wore, 
one  little  white  hand  crept  out  from  the  folds  of  her  sable 
robe  to  rearrange  the  crepe. 

Owen  smiled,  for  this  act  of  caution  had  revealed  much 


10  PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW, 

to  him — upon  those  plump  fingers  shone  rings  set  with 
flashing  gems,  such  as  no  member  of  a  holy  order  would 
dare  wear. 

Thus,  without  asking  a  question,  he  knew  his  vis-a-vis 
to  be  in  disguise. 

More  than  this,  the  unconscious  desire  to  make  sure 
that  her  face  was  concealed  gave  him  the  impression  that 
they  must  have  met  before.  As  yet  her  voice  had  only 
sounded  in  low,  whispered  cadence,  but  it  was  rich  and 
musical,  and  somehow  seemed  to  arouse  dim,  uncertain 
memories  which  in  good  time  after  much  groping,  he 
would  doubtless  be  able  to  place. 

She  looked  around  with  some  concern,  for  the  locality 
being  central  was  never  quiet,  upon  which  he  said : 

"Let  us  walk  toward  O'Connell  bridge,  and  you  can 
explain  more  fully  the  meaning  of  your  note,  as  you  prom- 
ised. I  assure  you  the  interest  taken  in  my  welfare  is 
appreciated,  and  if  I  can  return  the  favor  you  have  only 
to  speak." 

"You  mistake,  senor — I  do  not  seek  a  reward.  Chanc- 
ing to  know  that  you  were  the  object  of  a  base  plot,  I 
thought  it  only  my  duty  to  warn  you." 

"Because  your  vows  constrained  you?" 

She  appeared  somewhat  annoyed. 

"Because  heaven  inspires  every  honest  heart  to  desire 
the  confusion  of  evil  schemes." 

"Pardon — I  was  foolish  for  an  instant  to  believe  my 
personality  could  have  anything  to  do  with  it.  Undoubt- 
edly your  love  of  fair  play  must  have  impelled  you  to  do 
the  same  for  any  poor  devil." 

"Senor,  you  have  no  right  to  question  my  motives." 

"I  am  a  brute — you  are  an  angel  come  to  my  assistance. 
Let  us  then  proceed  to  business.  From  whence  does  this 


PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW.  II 

threatening  danger  come — in  which  quarter  am  I  to  guard 
against  secret  foes?" 

"You  do  not  seem  to  be  alarmed  ?" 

"Does  that  surprise  you,  lady?  Surely  then  you  are 
not  well  acquainted  with  Anglo-Saxon  blood.  We  who 
sup  with  danger,  learn  to  despise  it.  I  say  this  deliber- 
ately and  without  boasting." 

"Ah !  yes,  I  had  forgotten  your  mission  abroad.  Your 
government  would  never  have  sent  any  but  a  brave  cava- 
lier to  take  such  desperate  chances.  Hola!  it  is  a  pleas- 
ure to  meet  a  man  who  does  not  shrink  from  a  hazard." 

"Pardon  the  curiosity — but  are  you  not  Spanish?"  he 
asked,  steadily — it  was  of  considerable  importance  that  he 
should  know  this  fact,  for  the  most  able  diplomat  may 
well  look  to  his  laurels  when  pitted  against  a  female 
Richelieu. 

She  answered  frankly,  almost  eagerly. 

"My  people  are  of  Spanish  blood,  but  I  have  only  once 
seen  Spain.  I  am  hifa  de  Puerto  Rico" 

How  proudly  she  declared  it. 

"A  daughter  of  Porto  Rico — I  am  pleased  to  know  it, 
for  that  lovely  island  will  soon  rest  beneath  the  starry 
banner.  A  grand  future  awaits  her  under  the  new  dis- 
pensation. I  have  been  in  San  Juan  myself,  and  shall 
never  cease  to  remember  that  quaint  city." 

Perhaps  the  evening  breeze  brought  with  it  a  breath  of 
chilly  fog  from  off  old  Dublin  bay — at  any  rate  the  wearer 
of  the  sombre  nun's  garb  shivered  a  little  and  seemed  to 
shrink  back  from  the  American. 

"Now,"  continued  Owen,  cheerily,  as  though  his  quick 
eye  had  not  noted  with  considerable  surprise  this  peculiar 
action  on  her  part,  "we  have  reached  the  bridge.  Tell  me 
whence  comes  this  danger?" 


12  PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW. 

"There  is  one  whom  you  have  believed  a  friend,  Senor 
Owen.  Trust  him  not,  for  he  has  sworn  to  work  your 
downfall." 

"Which  is  very  interesting,  to  say  the  least.  Am  I  to 
be  arrested  as  a  Fenian  suspect,  come  over  the  big  pond 
to  duplicate  the  Burke  and  Cavendish  tragedy  of  Phoenix 
park?  Or  is  this  sly  schemer  a  Spanish  sympathizer  in 
the  pay  of  Sagasta?" 

"You  have  said  it,  senor — the  last  is  the  truth.  But 
there  is  more — another  reason  why  he  hates  you." 

"Perhaps  you  wouldn't  mind  mentioning  it  ?" 

"His  name  first — it  is  Jerome  Wellington." 

Owen  seemed  startled. 

"Confusion — I  never  suspected  that  he  was  in  Sagasta's 
pay.  Luckily  I  have  made  it  a  rule  to  be  as  close  mouthed 
as  an  oyster  with  regard  to  all  state  secrets.  So  friend 
Jerome  has  a  private  grudge  against  me.  When  have  I 
trod  upon  his  toes  ?  Kindly  enlighten  me,  good  angel  ?" 

"It  is  on  her  account — the  dashing  Senorita  Cleo,"  came 
the  muffled  answer,  and  again  Owen  knew  the  eyes  back 
of  the  veil  were  fastened  intently  upon  him  as  though  to 
read  his  secret. 

Thereupon  he  pursed  up  his  mustached  lip  and  emitted 
a  low,  incredulous  whistle. 

"Cleo  Fairfax,  my  independent  cousin,  the  daughter  of 
ten  millions,  what  has  she  to  do  with  the  case  ?  Is  Jerome 
jealous — does  he  seek  her  hand — well,  let  him  sail  in  and 
win.  I  shall  not  stand  in  the  way,  for  it  has  never  oc- 
curred to  me  to  fall  in  love  with  my  cousin." 

"Ah!  senor,  that  is  very  well,  but  this  man  who  is  as 
handsome  as  an  Adonis  hates  you  because  he  knows  the 
American  senorita  loves  you." 

"What!     Cleo  loves  me — incredible — impossible." 


PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW.  13 

"More,  she  adores  you." 

"Senonta,  you  surely  jest  or  dream." 

"I  speak  what  I  know,  and  the  fact  is  patent  to  everyone 
that  you  have  but  to  declare  a  word  to  bring  this  lovely 
girl  and  her  millions  to  your  arms." 

"God  forbid  that  I  should  ever  speak  that  word,  unless 
I  truly  loved  her  as  a  man  should  the  girl  he  means  to 
make  his  wife.  It  is,  I  say  again,  impossible  that  such  a 
thing  can  be." 

"Few  things  are  impossible,  senor." 

"But — there  are  impediments  in  the  way." 

"Perhaps  none  that  might  not  be  swept  aside." 

"Above  all,  I  do  not  love  her — it  is  ridiculous,  and 
never  entered  into  my  mind.  And  so  Jerome  has  con- 
jured up  a  delightful  hatred  for  me  because,  by  Jove,  he 
chooses  to  imagine — you  see  I  lay  especial  emphasis  on 
that  word,  for  I  can't  believe  it  possible — that  this  favored 
daughter  of  fortune  gives  me  more  than  cousinly  regard. 
Well,  if  it  pleases  Jerome  to  indulge  in  such  capers,  I'm 
not  the  one  to  cry  quits.  My  duty  as  well  as  my  privilege 
is  to  meet  him  half  way.  I  imagine  you  may  be  in  a  posi- 
tion to  tell  me  how  he  means  to  strike.  It  is  awful  kind 
of  you  to  take  such  trouble." 

The  thought  had  suddenly  occurred  to  him  that  perhaps 
she  might  have  come  from  Cleo,  and  he  winced  at  the 
verbatim  report  of  his  declaration  she  must  necessarily 
take  back;  but  it  was  the  truth,  and  Roderic  Owen  had 
always  made  a  point  to  stick  to  his  guns  in  action. 

She  was  growing  uneasy,  as  though  fearful  lest  he 
might  allow  his  curiosity  respecting  her  identity  get  the 
better  of  his  gentlemanly  instincts.  So  when  she  spoke 
again  it  was  hurriedly,  her  manner  betraying  a  desire  to 
end  the  interview. 


14  PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW. 

"I  have  gone  so  far  that  it  only  remains  for  me  to  tell 
you  the  nature  of  the  plot  whereby  this  jealous  fortune 
seeker  hopes  not  only  to  ruin  you  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Senorita  Cleo,  but  before  your  government  as  well. 

"You  are  staying  at  the  Shelbourne  hotel.  Your  room 
overlooks  the  cascade  in  St.  Stevens  green.  You  have 
arranged  to  meet  one  at  the  park  gate  at  twelve  to-night, 
expecting  to  receive  information  respecting  the  clique  of 
Spanish  sympathizers  at  present  sojourning  in  Dublin  as 
a  city  least  suspected  of  harboring  America's  foes.  They 
have  come  here  in  the  hope  of  arousing  the  slumbering 
Fenian  spirit  should  Great  Britain  join  the  states  against 
France  or  .Germany. 

"Your  expected  informant  is  in  their  pay — he  intends  to 
suddenly  pounce  upon  you  and,  aided  by  allies  in  hiding 
carry  you  off.  It  will  be  made  to  appear  that  you  have 
abandoned  your  patriotic  mission,  and  fled  with  a  well 
known  adventuress  to  the  gaming  tables  of  Monte  Carlo." 

"The  duse!  This  is  a  nice  kettle  of  fish.  And  only 
for  you  I  might  have  fallen  a  victim  of  the  plot.  But  fore- 
warned is  forearmed.  Some  one  shall  take  my  place, 
since  it  would  be  a  pity  they  should  have  their  labor  for 
nothing.  It  shall  be  diamond  cut  diamond  from  this 
hour.  And  now,  believe  me,  I  am  duly  sensible  of  the 
great  service  you  had  done  me,  lady.  God  knows  it  would 
give  me  pleasure  to  reciprocate  should  the  occasion  ever 
arise." 

"I  believe  it — I  know  it,  Senor  Owen,"  she  said,  with 
__-  some  confusion. 

"I  do  not  ask  your  name — that  you  wish  it  to  remain  a 
secret  is  enough  for  me.  But  at  least  you  will  shake  hands 
before  we  part.  It  is  a  part  of  an  American's  code,  you 
know — add  one  more  obligation  to  those  you  have  heaped 
upon  me.  Do  not  refuse,  I  beg." 


PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW.  1$ 

She  had  shrunk  back  as  though  alarmed  at  the  prospect, 
but  his  debonnair  manner,  together  with  the  absurdity  of 
the  fear  that  almost  overwhelmed  her  seemed  to  force  her 
to  meet  his  friendly  advances,  and  a  little  hand  crept  shyly 
out  from  among  the  dusky  robes,  advancing  half  way. 

Roderic  Owen  clasped  it  in  his  own,  and  was  conscious 
of  a  most  remarkable  sensation  that  seemed  to  flash  along 
his  arm  until  it  finally  brought  up  in  the  region  of  his 
heart. 

It  may  have  been  electricity,  or  some  kindred  element, 
but  all  the  same  he  considered  it  exceeding  queer. 

Perhaps  in  his  warmth  he  pressed  her  hand  so  that  the 
setting  of  her  rings  inflicted  pain.  At  any  rate  she  gave 
a  little  exclamation. 

"Forgive  me ;  I  forgot  your  rings,  idiot  that  I  am,"  and 
with  a  gallantry  he  must  have  inherited  from  ancestors 
who  once  ruled  in  this  ever  green  isle  he  hastily  raised  the 
bruised  digits  to  his  lips. 

This  caused  her  to  snatch  away  her  hand  and  with  a 
hasty  "buenos  noches"  hurry  to  meet  a  tramcar  coming 
from  the  monument. 

Before  Owen  could  fully  recover  from  his  surprise  she 
had  entered  the  double  decked  vehicle  of  transportation, 
and  was  lost  to  his  sight. 

He  stood  there,  leaning  against  the  stone  railing  of 
O'Connell  bridge  and  looking  after  the  car,  a  very  much 
puzzled  man. 

"Ah !"  he  ejaculated,  as  snatching  out  his  handkerchief 
he  waved  it  vigorously  in  response  to  the  one  that  fluttered 
from  the  open  window  of  the  humble  tramcar. 

Then  the  man  from  over  the  sea  mechanically  drew  out 
his  cigar  case,  selected  a  weed,  struck  a  match  on  the  stone 
coping  of  the  bridge,  and  began  to  puff  away  as  though  he 


1 6  PERHAPS  LOVERS  ONCE,  STRANGERS  NOW. 

might  in  this  manner  free  his  brain  of  the  mental  cobwebs 
that  seemed  to  clog  his  clear  reasoning. 

At  the  same  time  he  started  in  the  direction  of  Trinity 
College,  swinging  a  stout  cane,  and  musing  upon  the  sin- 
gular events  that  had  on  this  night  opened  a  new  chapter 
in  his  experience. 

And  somehow  it  seemed  to  the  adventurous  Owen  that 
they  bore  a  definite  connection  with  his  past — again  he 
heard  that  voice  sounding  as  with  the  music  of  sweet  birds 
— its  dim  echo,  so  familiar  and  yet  eluding  his  grasp  like 
a  fluttering  will-o'-the-wisp,  how  exasperating  it  was. 
Where  had  he  met  this  seeming  nun  in  the  sable  robe,  and 
who  was  she? 

Then  suddenly  he  saw  a  great  light — the  confused 
memories  drifted  into  one  clear  vision.  Again  he  stood 
on  the  brilliantly  lighted  Grand  Plaza  of  the  Porto  Rican 
capital  with  surging  crowds  of  officers  and  civilians 
around  him,  while  a  really  excellent  military  band  played 
the  beautiful,  voluptuous  airs  of  sunny  Spain — again  he 
heard  a  voice,  sweet  as  that  of  a  lark,  floating  upon  the 
night  air  from  an  open  window,  and  singing  a  serenade — 
Roderic  was  carried  back  two  years  in  his  life  to  scenes 
that  had  been  marked  by  stormy  passion,  and  the  realiza- 
tion gave  him  a  tremendous  shock. 

He  had  reached  the  vicinity  of  Trinity's  bold  Campanile 
when  this  bolt  went  home,  and  the  effect  was  so  great  as 
to  actually  bring  him  to  a  full  stop,  with  held  breath. 

"By  Jove !  to  think  I  never  suspected  the  amazing  truth 
when  talking  with  her.  Now  I  know  it,  I  can  swear  to 
it — the  same  voice,  which  I  have  never  heard  equaled. 
And  she  has  done  this  thing  for  me,  Roderic  Owen,  whom 
possibly  she  has  reason  to  hate.  Heavens !  there  is  some 
fatality  back  of  it  allz  and  we  are  but  puppets  on  life's 


PERHAPS   LOVERS   ONCE,   STRANGERS    NOW.  IJ 

great  stage,  playing  our  little  parts  automatically.  God 
alone  sees  the  end.  Yes,  that  was  Georgia  de  Brabant, 
the  charming  maid  of  San  Juan,  over  whom  half  the 
Spanish  officers  raved,  about  whom  more  than  a  few  duels 
were  fought,  and  with  whose  fate  my  own  life  thread 
became  entangled  in  a  way  that  has  forever  prevented  my 
loving  cousin  Cleo  or  any  other  woman.  The  past  then  is 
not  dead — again  she  enters  my  life — she  comes  like  an 
angel  of  light  to  save  me  from  being  made  the  victim  of 
a  foul  plot.  That  would  indicate  anything  but  hate. 
What  lies  before  me  mortal  cannot  guess,  but  my  duty  is 
clear,  and  come  weal  come  woe,  I  am  bound  to  serve  my 
country  first,  last  and  always,  no  matter  what  the  sacri- 
fice. And  ye  gods,  I  kissed  the  hand  whereon  perhaps 
dazzled  his  rings." 


CHAPTER  II. 

ALAS  !    FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK. 

EVIDENTLY  Roderic  Owen  was  disturbed  by  this  meet- 
ing more  than  he  would  have  cared  to  confess.  When 
ghosts  that  are  supposed  to  have  been  laid  for  all  time 
come  back  to  haunt  us,  memory  plays  havoc  with  the 
strongest  resolutions.  Owen  lived  again  in  the  past — his 
ears  seemed  to  drink  in  the  music  and  merriment  of  the 
gay  Spanish-American  capital — he  saw  once  more  a  face 
that  had  been  enshrined  in  his  heart  as  queen  of  the  realm, 
and  somehow  the  memory  was  not  so  unpleasant.  Instead 
of  groaning  over  the  disasters  of  the  past  he  found  him- 
self unconsciously  building  new  chateaux  d'Espagne. 
Hope  ever  abides  in  the  human  breast — though  daily  over- 
thrown it  rises  again  and  again,  Phoenix  like  from  the 
ashes,  and  builds  anew. 

From  the  shadow  of  Trinity  College  and  the  Bank  of 
Ireland,  formerly  the  Irish  House  of  Parliament,  it  was 
but  a  short  distance  to  his  hotel,  the  luxurious  Shelbourne. 

Having  once  entered  the  caravansary  he  cast  his  eyes 
around  as  though  seeking  some  one.  A  number  of  gen- 
tlemen lounged  near  the  booking  offices,  while  on  the  first 
landing  of  the  wide  stairs  among  palms  and  flowers  ladies 
could  be  seen. 

It  was  a  bright  picture,  entirely  foreign  to  the  usual  run 
of  transatlantic  hotels  to  which  Owen  was  accustomed. 

A  pair  of  bright  eyes  detected  his  arrival  and  a  fair 
hand  beckoned  him  upward. 

18 


ALAS!    FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK.         19 

'Time  was  of  value  to  him,  but  when  beauty  demands 
attendance  other  things  may  wait,  and  he  believed  Tie 
could  spare  a  few  minutes  at  any  rate. 

She  was  a  remarkable  young  woman,  this  Cleopatra 
Fairfax,  and  few  men  could  have  resisted  her  charms  of 
person  and  fortune.  True,  in  features  she  could  not  be 
called  beautiful,  but  her  eyes  were  glorious  blue  ones,  her 
hair  abundant  and  of  a  golden  hue,  while  her  skin  was 
browned  by  exposure  to  sun  and  wind,  since  M'lle  Cleo 
was  a  confirmed  golf  player,  a  bicyclist,  and  a  voyager 
over  many  seas.  Her  form  at  least  was  enough  like  that 
of  Venus  to  set  many  a  famous  painter  anxious  because 
his  last  models  lacked  those  qualities  which  a  lavish  Na- 
ture had  showered  so  abundantly  on  this  child  of  fortune. 

This  then  was  Cousin  Cleo,  an  impulsive,  warm-hearted 
girl,  with  the  better  qualities  of  both  Irish  and  American 
ancestors  in  her  veins. 

Her  mother  had  been  an  Owen,  while  on  her  father's 
side  she  came  from  a  long  line  of  the  famous  Virginia 
Fairfax  family.  A  better  combination  it  would  be  hard 
to  imagine ;  and  in  this  coming  together  of  old  and  new 
world  blood  lies  the  wonderful  strength  and  marvelous 
ingenuity  of  the  American  people. 

Miss  Fairfax  traveled  withersoever  her  sweet  will 
prompted,  always  accompanied  by  a  spinster  chaperone. 
Perhaps  it  was  an  accident  that  brought  her  to  Dublin  and 
the  Shelbourne  at  the  same  time  the  English  Ambassa- 
dor's private  agent  took  up  his  quarters  there — these  acci- 
dents, how  often  they  happen,  and  how  opportunely  at 
times. 

Besides  the  motherly  chaperone,  there  was  another  in 
the  party,  a  gentleman  who  in  physique  and  handsome 
features  far  outshone  Roderic. 


20         ALAS !    FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK. 

Of  course  this  was  Jerome  Wellington,  a  man  of  the 
world,  belonging  to  a  good  family  and  now  of  a  mind  to 
settle  down  after  having  sown  a  magnificent  crop  of  wild 
oats. 

Naturally  when  such  a  dasher  thus  resolves  to  give  up 
his  freedom,  he  looks  around  for  a  girl  whose  income  will 
forever  preclude  any  and  all  possibility  of  his  ever  being 
compelled  to  live  upon  his  wits  again. 

With  ten  millions  more  or  less  at  her  beck  and  nod, 
Miss  Fairfax  of  Virginia  offered  grand  opportunities  in 
this  line,  and  accordingly  the  Adonis  who  had  seldom 
known  what  it  was  to  fail  had  sworn  a  mighty  oath  that 
ere  twelve  moons  had  waxed  and  waned  M'lle  Cleo 
would  have  changed  her  name  to  the  equally  aristocratic 
one  of  Wellington. 

Then  he  struck  a  snag. 

He  discovered  that  Cleo  had  since  childhood  cherished 
a  deep  and  romantic  fancy  for  Roderic  Owen. 

They  had  romped  together,  and  as  years  fled  the  stal- 
wart young  man  became  her  hero.  She  blindly  adored 
him,  and  being  so  frank  and  open  by  nature,  her  secret 
was  easily  read  by  such  an  acute  observer  as  Jerome, 
though  the  object  of  this  affection  had  somehow  never 
dreamed  that  he  was  regarded  in  any  other  than  a  cous- 
inly way. 

If  Jerome  had  a  strong  point  of  which  he  was  particu- 
larly proud  it  was  his  connection  with  divers  deep  and 
dark  plots.  He  regarded  himself  in  the  light  of  a  modern 
Machiavelli,  and  was  never  really  happy  unless  dabbling 
in  mysterious  affairs. 

In  his  day  he  had  been  Carlist,  Anarchist,  Socialist, 
Nihilist  and  heaven  knows  what  not. 

Hence,  it  was  to  him  a  very  insignificant  matter  to  fig- 


ALAS!    FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK.         21 

ure  out  how  he  should  wipe  this  interloper  from  his  path. 
Bah !  it  was  almost  too  easy  a  task  for  one  of  his  magnifi- 
cent intellect,  brightened  by  contact  with  the  greatest 
schemers  of  the  world.  However,  the  stake  was  a  glo- 
rious one,  and  even  trifles  must  be  carefully  looked  after 
if  success  is  desired. 

So  Jerome  had  set  the  machinery  in  motion  which  he 
expected  would  speedily  eliminate  his  rival  from  the  field. 

Unfortunately  for  himself  he  did  not  consider  that  he 
was  now  up  against  a  man  whom  Nature  had  abundantly 
endowed  with  common  sense  and  shrewdness,  and  who  as 
a  secret  service  officer  in  charge  of  matters  of  state  had 
gained  considerable  praise  from  the  Honorable  Secretary 
at  Washington  under  whose  direction  he  labored. 

Besides,  Jerome's  objections  had  undoubtedly  been 
hitherto  conducted  against  European  wits,  and  he  might 
find  wide  awake  Yankee  minds  constructed  on  a  some- 
what different  order. 

Roderic  chatted  and  laughed  pleasantly  for  a  little  time, 
as  though  on  the  best  of  terms  with  himself  and  every 
one  else  in  the  world. 

Then,  pleading  business  he  tore  himself  away. 

Now  that  his  attention  had  been  forcibly  brought  to 
bear  upon  the  subject  he  could  not  but  note  the  blushes 
that  mantled  his  cousin's  face  upon  his  addressing  any 
remark  directly  to  her,  and  the  look  of  reproach  she  be- 
stowed upon  him  when  he  left  the  gay  party. 

All  of  which  gave  him  pain  instead  of  pleasure. 

The  happiness  of  this  cousin  was  of  much  moment  in 
his  eyes. 

She  had  always  laughingly  declared  her  intention  never 
to  marry  whenever  he  broached  the  subject  of  the  right 
cavalier  coming  along,  and  up  to  the  present  Roderic  had 
been  dense  enough  not  to  suspect  the  truth. 


22 


ALAS!    FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK. 


It  was  just  like  a  man  at  any  rate. 

But  at  the  same  time  it  reflected  on  his  extreme  mod- 
esty. 

Jerome  called  out  a  joking  farewell  after  him,  which 
appeared  harmless  enough,  but  with  his  knowledge  of  the 
man's  evil  intentions  Roderic  was  able  to  read  between  the 
lines  and  see  the  malevolence  exposed. 

'•He  laughs  loudest  who  laughs  last,  my  dear  Jerome," 
he  muttered  as  he  walked  away  from  the  hotel,  "and  it 
remains  to  be  seen  how  your  game  comes  out.  Hereto- 
fore I  have  considered  the  man  a  mere  every  day  adven- 
turer, attracted  by  the  glitter  of  Cleo's  gold,  and  believing 
she  knew  how  to  handle  such  fellows  without  gloves,  did 
not  think  it  my  duty  to  interfere.  Now  that  it  begins  to 
look  more  serious  I  find  I  shall  be  compelled  to  throw  my 
castor  into  the  ring,  and  take  up  cudgels  in  her  defense. 
God  bless  her,  a  man  could  not  well  have  a  stronger  in- 
spiration to  do  his  level  best.  How  the  duse  I  have  failed 
to  fall  head  over  heels  in  love  with  Cleo  all  these  years  I 
am  at  a  loss  to  understand,  yet  somehow  I  have  had  an  af- 
fection for  the  dear  girl  such  as  one  entertains  for  a  sis- 
ter. Now  my  eyes  are  opened,  and  it  is  I  fear  quite  too 
late.  Destiny  has  already  wrought  out  my  future  for 
good  or  evil." 

He  was  thinking  again  of  San  Juan  with  its  park,  its 
glittering  lights,  its  military  music  and  the  flash  of  many 
dark  Spanish  eyes. 

Yes,  Roderic  was  quite  right. 

It  was  too  late! 

He  could  never  offer  Cleo  or  any  other  woman  the  first 
passion  of  his  heart,  since  that  had  gone  out  under  the 
palms  and  flower  scented  bowers  of  the  Antilles  to  a 
daughter  of  Porto  Rico. 


ALAS!    FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK.         23 

He  sighed  as  he  relegated  these  things,  both  pleasant 
and  painful,  once  more  to  oblivion,  and  again  rallied  his 
forces  to  grapple  with  the  game  on  hand. 

Just  around  the  corner  he  came  across  a  man  advancing 
toward  the  hotel,  and  whom  he  hailed. 

"Well  met,  Darby — I  was  on  the  way  to  hunt  you  up, 
while  you  seem  headed  for  my  quarters." 

"Just  so,  sir,"  replied  the  other,  who  appeared  a  man 
of  few  words,  and  evidently  one  in  whom  Owen  placed 
much  confidence. 

"You  complained  recently  of  rusting — that  everything 
seemed  so  dull  and  dead.  As  fortune  has  it  I  am  now  in 
a  position  to  offer  you  a  little  excitement,  and  at  the  same 
time  you  may  be  of  great  service  to  me." 

Darby  nodded  his  head — he  was  a  man  of  ice,  whom 
nothing  could  excite,  and  yet  to  whom  action  was  as  the 
air  he  breathed. 

Knowing  the  nature  of  the  man  so  well,  Owen  struck 
directly  into  his  story,  and  ere  many  minutes  had  flown 
the  other  was  as  well  acquainted  with  the  facts  as  himself. 

One  feature  alone  he  repressed. 

This  was  the  attachment  on  Cleo's  part  for  so  unworthy 
an  individual  as  himself — that  was  too  sacred  to  be  given 
over  as  common  property. 

Darby  would  have  to  guess  a  reason  for  the  hatred  of 
Wellington — perhaps  he  might  lay  it  to  the  Spanish  sym- 
pathies of  the  other,  which  induced  him  to  seek  Dublin 
in  order  to  have  a  hand  in  the  mysterious  conference  with 
pronounced  Fenian  leaders;  or  it  might  be  his  sagacity 
would  suggest  the  only  plausible  explanation. 

Thus  the  story  was  told. 

"Quite  a  neat  little  affair,"  commented  Darby. 

"Will  you  take  my  place?"  asked  Owen. 


24        ALAS!    FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK. 

The  other's  face  showed  no  sign  of  emotion. 

"Just  so,  sir." 

"You  may  bring  up  in  Monte  Carlo  or  Hong  Kong, 
with  a  fascinating  adventuress  professing  to  be  madly  in- 
fatuated with  you." 

This  time  the  faintest  flicker  of  a  smile  appeared. 

"A  dreadful  fate,  truly,  sir." 
"Still  you  do  not  shrink  from  it,  Darby?" 

The  Sphinx  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"Duty  is  duty,  sir.     I  shall  play  the  cards  to  win." 

"You  are  to  represent  me — for  the  time  you  will  look 
and  act  and  think  as  Roderic  Owen." 

"I  leave  it  to  you  whether  I  am  able." 

"My  dear  fellow  there  is  nothing  you  could  not  accom- 
plish, if  you  set  your  mind  to  it.  I  warrant  that  even 
Jerome  will  be  deceived  should  he  personally  take  a  hand 
in  the  game  of  abduction." 

"He  will  know  the  truth  to-morrow  when  he  meets  you 
here?" 

"True — and  will  be  stunned,  unable  to  comprehend  the 
facts.  Thus,  you  will  be  at  liberty  to  do  as  you  please 
after  once  reaching  French  territory.  You  know  how  to 
find  me  again." 

"Just  so,  sir.     Is  that  all  ?" 

"Only  that  I  wish  you  the  best  of  success,"  taking  the 
cold  hand  of  the  Sphinx  and  squeezing  it. 

There  was  actually  a  faint  response. 

And  yet  strange  to  say,  this  naturally  reserved  and 
passionless  man  was  so  great  an  actor  that  when  duty 
compelled  he  could  imitate  even  the  most  hot-blooded 
Spanish  wooer,  and  sue  with  song  and  story  for  a  dusky 
senorita's  love. 

That  was  genius  rising  above  nature,  a  carefully  trained 
gift  such  as  few  men  possess. 


ALAS!    FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK.         »$ 

"The  hour  grows  late,  and  you  will  need  some  time  to 
make  your  preparations,  so  there  is  no  need  of  my  detain- 
ing you  longer.  As  to  money — " 

"I  have  more  than  enough,  sir." 

"Good.  Besides,  if  you  turn  up  at  Monte  Carlo  you 
may  have  a  chance  to  apply  some  of  the  tactics  you  once 
used  in  breaking  a  faro  bank  in  New  Orleans.  It  would 
perhaps  be  rare  sport  to  you  for  a  change." 

Again  Darby  showed  the  limit  of  his  emotion,  this  time 
it  being  a  chuckle  that  escaped  him. 

"Then  good-bye  and  good  luck.  Beware  lest  you  fall 
in  love  with  the  charmer,  my  boy.  Such  a  Lurline  may 
storm  the  ramparts  of  your  flinty  old  heart,  and  once 
lodged  therein,  heaven  help  you." 

"Just  so,  sir.  I  am  too  old  a  bird  to  be  caught  with 
chaff.  I  have  been  through  the  mill.  Don't  waste  any 
sympathy  on  Joel  Darby,  sir.  But,  there  is  an  old  ac- 
quaintance of  yours  here." 

"Ah !  who  may  that  be — male  or  female  ?"  for  his  mind 
instantly  reverted  to  the  girl  from  Porto  Rico,  and  he 
wondered  if  Darby  could  have  run  across  her  by  chance. 

"You  once  showed  me  a  group  picture  of  a  very  delight- 
ful scene  in  a  West  Indian  flower  court,  with  the  fountain 
and  bird  cages.  Besides  yourself  and  a  young  Spanish 
captain  there  were  a  charming  girl  and  an  old  hidalgo 
with  a  fierce  beard  and  a  mass  of  iron  gray  hair — a  man 
once  seen  never  forgotten." 

"Ah !  yes,  General  Porfidio  de  Brabant,  the  noblest  Ro- 
man of  them  all,  whose  voice  is  like  the  thunder  burst  of 
his  tropical  home,  and  yet  who  obeys  her  slightest  wish 
as  meekly  as  a  lamb." 

"Just  so — sweet  Porfidio  is  in  Dublin." 

"I  am  not  surprised,  since  I  have  reason  to  believe  she 


z6      ALAS!  FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK. 

is  here.  In  fact  the  woman  disguised  as  a  Sister  of  the 
Holy  Grail  was  Georgia,  his  niece,  and  the  girl  in  the 
picture." 

Darby's  thin  lips  gathered  as  though  prepared  to  emit 
a  whistle,  for  like  a  flash  he  comprehended  a  very  im- 
portant matter  in  connection  with  his  employer;  but  his 
will  got  the  better  of  his  inclination  and  not  the  faintest 
sound  followed. 

"More  than  this,  sir,  I  am  afraid  he  has  some  connec- 
tion with  these  reckless  schemers  you  have  come  here  to 
watch." 

"It  would  not  surprise  me — the  senor  general  is  of 
Spanish  descent  and  doubtless  loves  the  institutions  of 
Spain,  so  that  with  his  generous  and  ardent  nature  he  is 
ready  to  risk  all  he  has  in  order  to  help  the  wretched 
mother  country  in  her  great  hour  of  need.  It  does  not 
matter,  since  they  will  accomplish  nothing  here.  These 
Irish  plotters  are  master  masons  in  the  art  of  promising 
much  and  having  some  one  else  pull  their  chestnuts  from 
the  fire.  Still,  it  is  our  duty  to  know  the  many  strings 
perfidious  Spain  has  to  her  bow." 

"Just  so,  sir.     I  am  going  now." 

"My  blessing  go  with  you,  Darby.  I  shall  anticipate 
a  rich  and  racy  story  when  we  twain  meet  again.  Mean- 
while, again  farewell." 

When  he  stood  alone  Roderic  heard  a  clock  in  a  not 
distant  belfry  chime  the  hour. 

"Eleven — plenty  of  time  for  a  man  of  his  superior  in- 
telligence to  accomplish  it  all.  By  Jove !  I  would  like  to 
see  the  result.  I  would  wager  he  does  it  to  the  queen's 
taste,  and  that  with  two  Richmonds  in  the  field  Warwick 
or  Jerome  or  any  other  man  would  find  it  hard  to  tell  the 
genuine  from  the  artificial.  Reminds  me  of  Shakes- 


ALAS!   FOR  THE  GAME  THAT   FAILED  TO   WORK.          2f 

peare's  two  Dromios.  Well,  there's  nothing  for  me  to  do 
but  take  it  quietly  until  morning,  when  I'll  give  my  noble 
duke  a  run  for  his  money.  Ye  gods,  I  can  imagine  his 
amazement.  But  he  is  not  the  man  to  let  one  failure 
daunt  him.  I  rather  imagine  we  two  may  yet  face  each 
other  with  sword  or  pistol  in  hand.  That,  gives  me  little 
concern  just  now,  however  much  it  may  later  on.  All 
seems  quiet  around  the  hotel,  so  I  presume  the  coast  is 
clear." 

He  found  no  difficulty  in  gaining  his  apartment  un- 
observed, and  there  proceeded  to  woo  the  gentle  goddess 
of  sleep. 

A  methodical  man,  he  was  able  to  awaken  at  just  the 
hour  he  desired. 

Perhaps  a  somewhat  superficial  knowledge  of  Welling- 
ton's usual  habits  guided  him  in  this  matter  quite  as  much 
as  his  own  desires. 

An  observation  convinced  him  that  the  day  had  broken 
fail  and  singularly  cool,  so  that  all  nature  appeared  to  re- 
joice. 

He  dressed  with  perhaps  a  little  more  care  than  ordinary 
and  stood  before  the  glass  arranging  the  ends  of  his  four- 
in-hand. 

"I  wonder  if  her  eyes  still  glow  with  their  old  intoxi- 
cating light?"  he  muttered. 

From  which  one  might  readily  imagine  the  dreams 
that  had  accompanied  his  slumber  must  have  dealt  more 
or  less  with  the  owner  of  those  heavenly  orbs. 

"And  I  kissed  her  hand  again  as  of  yore.  Jove !  how  it 
thrilled  me.  Did  that  kiss  wipe  out  the  past — is  it  possi- 
ble for  us  both  to  forgive  and  again  be  more  than  friends  ? 
The  very  thought  gives  my  heart  hope.  And  yet  what 
a  fool  I  am  to  forget — those  magnificent  rings — perhaps 


s8      ALAS!  FOR  THE  GAME  THAT  FAILED  TO  WORK. 

one  or  more  of  them  came  from  the  bolero  dancer,  the 
dashing  Julio  who  took  San  Juan  hearts  by  storm.  Heaven 
onlyknows — in  mymad  jealousy  I  accused  her  of  encourag- 
ing his  attentions.  Perhaps  I  was  wrong,  and  again  I 
may  have  been  right,  for  I  never  heard  more  of  either 
after  I  shook  the  red  dust  of  San  Juan  from  my  feet.  She 
may  have  wedded  him,  and  now  be  wife  or  widow.  Ugh ! 
to  the  devil  with  such  thoughts.  Now  to  give  dear  old 
Jerome  a  shake  up  he  will  never  forget." 

The  idea  afforded  him  some  pleasure — at  least  it  ban- 
ished that  other  hideous  nightmare. 

Wife  or  widow  were  the  words  he  did  not  care  to 
hear  used  in  connection  with  the  owner  of  those  mag- 
nificent midnight  orbs. 

Jerome  breakfasted  at  eight  o'clock. 

He  was  clockwork  itself  in  regularity,  no  matter  where 
or  under  what  conditions  he  spent  the  night,  and  when 
Roderic  glanced  into  the  breakfast  room  there  was  his 
victim  busily  engaged,  his  back  to  the  door. 

Jerome  was  something  of  a  gourmand,  and  had  a  really 
remarkable  fondness  for  all  the  good  things  that  tickle 
the  palate  and  appeal  to  a  cultivated  taste.  He  knew  the 
value  of  every  wine  on  the  list,  and  could  distinguish 
various  brands  of  champagne  with  his  eyes  closed,  for, 
tell  it  not  in  Gath,  Jerome  had  once  upon  a  time  been  re- 
duced to  making  an  honest  livelihood  as  an  expert  wine 
taster. 

Owen  sauntered  into  the  almost  deserted  room,  and 
came  up  behind  the  dashing  Adonis. 

"Good  morning,  Wellington,"  he  said  briskly,  as  he 
dropped  into  a  chair  just  across  from  Jerome. 

The  latter  started  to  make  a  civil  reply,  but  when  his 
eyes  fastened  upon  Roderic's  face  he  turned  as  red  as  a 
boiled  lobster  and  spluttered  out : 

"Owen  still  here  in  Dublin  by  all  the  saints!'* 


CHAPTER  III. 

AT  DAGGERS'  POINTS. 

IT  WAS  Roderic's  intention  to  lead  the  other  a  jolly  little 
dance  before  jumping  upon  him  with  both  feet,  so  to 
speak. 

In  other  words  he  pleased  to  play  with  the  conceited 
beau  pretty  much  as  a  cat  might  with  a  mouse  that  had 
fallen  into  her  clutches. 

Hence  he  observed  Jerome's  amazed  expression  with 
the  air  of  a  man  who  was  puzzled. 

"Still  in  Dublin — why  not,  my  boy?  This  is  about  as 
comfortable  a  berth  as  one  could  find,  and  I  shall  only 
desert  it  when  stern  duty  calls  me  across  the  big  pond. 
Whatever  possessed  you  with  the  idea  that  I  had  departed 
hence — why  it  was  only  late  last  night  when  I  last  saw 
you?" 

Wellington  was  making  heroic  efforts  to  resume  his 
ordinary  cool  appearance,  but  he  had  evidently  been  hard 
hit,  and  fluttered  like  a  wounded  pigeon,  which  was  a  rare 
thing  with  a  man  usually  calm  and  sarcastic. 

"By  Jove!  it  must  have  been  a  bad  dream,  but,  d'ye 
know  my  dear  fellow,  I  could  swear  you  came  and  told  me 
you  were  off  for  Hamburg,  Constantinople  or " 

"Monte  Carlo  perhaps,  since  one  place  is  about  as 
likely  as  the  other." 

"Well,  er,  perhaps  it  was.  Wretched  dream  at  any  rate. 
Must  have  been  the  Welsh  rarebit  I  had  about  midnight — 
awful  fond  of  toast  and  cheese,  you  know,  especially  good 
Roquefort.  Glad  to  know  it  was  only  a  dream,  dused 

29 


3°  AT  DAGGERS     POINTS. 

glad,  my  boy.  Would  have  missed  you  very  much — 
good  men  are  too  scarce,  as  it  is." 

Thus  Jerome  babbled  on,  his  object  being  simply  delay, 
in  order  to  collect  himself  and  grasp  the  situation. 

At  the  same  time  possibly  he  hoped  to  pull  the  wool 
over  the  eyes  of  the  man  he  addressed. 

It  was  useless. 

When  Roderic  mentioned  Monte  Carlo  the  schemer 
knew  his  game  had  been  exposed  through  some  blunder, 
and  all  he  could  hope  to  fight  for  was  advantage  of  posi- 
tion when  the  assault  came. 

He  therefore  hurried  up  his  reserves  and  proceeded  to 
call  all  hands  to  repel  boarders. 

Owen  had  folded  his  arms  and  was  coolly  surveying 
him  across  the  table — there  was  a  curl  to  his  mustached 
lip  that  told  of  fine  scorn. 

Some  men  can  stand  almost  anything  rather  than  to 
be  made  a  mark  for  irony  or  disdain,  and  it  was  this 
more  than  anything  else  that  brought  Wellington  furi- 
ously to  the  front. 

"See  here,  Owen,  all  chicanery  aside,  how  the  devil 
do  you  happen  to  be  here  at  the  Shelbourne  instead  of  on 
a  yacht  bound- for  Havre,  and  eventually  to  the  gamester's 
Paradise  ?"  he  blurted  out. 

"A  plain  question  and  deserving  an  equally  candid  an- 
swer. To  tell  you  the  truth  then,  my  dear  fellow,  I  had 
decided  objections  to  making  such  a  hasty  trip  across  to 
the  Continent.  Your  preparations  for  my  comfort  were 
overwhelming,  and  while  I  appreciated  all  you  did  I  was 
obliged  to  respectfully  decline." 

"Well,  my  own  eyes  tell  me  you  are  here,  but  I'll  take 
my  oath  I  saw  one  who  looked  enough  like  you  to  be  your 
shadow  sail  out  of  Kingstown  harbor  at  three  this  morn- 


AT  DAGGERS'  POINTS.  31 

ing  on  board  the  steam  yacht  Galatea.  And  that  was  no 
hasheesh  dream  either,  superinduced  by  Welsh  rarebit 
or  opium.  Now,  who  the  devil  went  to  Havre  ?" 

"A  gentleman  whose  health  needed  the  ocean  voyage, 
and  who  believed  he  could  enjoy  the  society  of  the  gay 
set  on  board.  I  have  no  doubt  he  will  be  exceedingly 
grateful  for  all  your  trouble." 

Jerome  looked  at  first  as  though  he  could  bite  a  nail 
with  pleasure— Owen  expected  him  to  swear,  but  the  other 
seldom  gave  way  to  such  vulgar  exhibitions  of  temper. 

On  the  contrary  he  smiled,  and  his  white  teeth  showing 
through  his  carefully  adjusted  mustache  gave  Roderic  the 
impression  of  a  grinning  hyena. 

Still,  the  application  hardly  fitted  such  a  case,  for  Je- 
rome was  considered  an  extremely  handsome  and  fasci- 
nating man,  however  much  of  'a  human  wolf  he  might  be 
back  of  the  scenes. 

"Owen,  you  have  called  the  hand  for  the  first  round. 
It  is  on  me,  and  devilish  hard.  I  could  ill  afford  the  cold 
cash  I  spent  to  hire  that  boat.  I  sincerely  trust  your 
counterpart  will  choke  upon  the  good  victuals  I  put  aboard 
or  else  make  himself  so  beastly  drunk  upon  the  liquor 
that  he  will  fall  overboard  in  the  bay  of  Biscay  or  some- 
where along  the  French  coast." 

"Don't  reproach  me  for  doing  just  what  you  would 
have  done  had  you  been  in  my  shoes,  and  the  plot  been 
revealed  to  you,  Wellington." 

The  other  brightened  up  a  trifle. 

"You  may  be  sure  I  would — but  evidently  you  re- 
ceived a  pretty  strong  tip — who  betrayed  me?" 

He  spoke  carelessly,  but  there  was  a  devilish  gleam 
in  his  blazing  eyes  that  told  the  state  of  his  feelings  to- 
ward the  unknown. 


32  AT  DAGGERS     POINTS. 

Owen  would  sooner  have  cut  his  right  hand  off  than 
betray  the  source  of  his  knowledge. 

"I  have  means  of  acquiring  information  that  are  un- 
equalled outside  of  Scotland  Yard.  For  some  time,  Wel- 
lington, I  had  looked  upon  you  as  an  agreeable  acquaint- 
ance. That  time  has  gone  by.  You  have  stripped  the 
mask  from  your  face,  and  I  know  you  as  a  wolf  preying 
upon  society." 

"Sir!" 

"Oh!  you  needn't  flare  up  and  look  ferocious.  I  say 
this  to  your  teeth.  If  you  desire  the  satisfaction  one  gen- 
tleman demands  from  another  I  am  always  at  your  service, 
whether  it  be  with  bare  knuckles,  a  revolver  or  the  sword. 
I  believe  I  am  equally  at  home  with  all,  and  will  take  great 
pleasure  in  puncturing  your  precious  ski»." 

"Well,  you  are  devilish  frank,  to  say  the  least,"  declared 
Jerome,  mastering  his  ugly  mood,  since  h&  knew  full  well 
the  disadvantage  falling  to  the  man  who  gave  way  to  pas- 
sion. 

"I  expect  to  be,  since  it  is  the  only  policy  to  use  when 
dealing  with  such  men  as  you.  I  might  warn  my  cousin 
against  your  attentions,  but  it  would  be  useless,  since 
she  has  undoubtedly  sized  you  up  as  an  ordinary  ad- 
venturer long  before  I  dreamed  of  it.  However,  my  dear 
fellow,  one  last  word  of  warning  before  I  quit  your  so- 
ciety. If  you  take  it  upon  yourself  to  annoy  Cleo — if  she 
appeals  to  me  for  assistance  I  shall  camp  on  your  trail 
until  I  finally  'get'  you,  as  they  put  it  over  in  my  country." 

There  was  no  boastful  spirit  in  his  manner,  only  a  grim 
determination  that  carried  weight. 

Wellington,  looking  squarely  into  those  calm  orbs  that 
held  his  own  in  a  species  of  thralldom  knew  he  had  the 
fight  of  his  life  before  him. 


AT  DAGGERS     POINTS.  33 

Perhaps  he  saw  with  prophetic  vision,  some  dim  ink- 
ling of  his  own  downfall — it  is  a  long  road  that  has  no 
turn — success  had  visited  him  many  times  in  the  past,  but 

there  was  for  him  as  for  all  adventurers,  a  dies  irae  and  it 

>** 

might  come  through  Roderic  Owen. 

"I'll  consider  myself  warned,  Owen,  and  if  trouble 
comes  my  blood  be  upon  my  own  head.  The  only  remark 
I  shall  venture  to  make  is,  that  as  yet  I  have  never  failed 
in  any  serious  undertaking  which  engaged  my  attention," 
he  said,  sneeringly. 

"Indeed.  Then  let  us  hope  you  are  not  very  serious 
about  this  affair." 

"I  have  made  a  vow.  By  that  I  mean  to  win,  or  fall. 
Have  you  breakfasted,  Owen?" 

"Not  yet.    I  shall  order  a  chop  and  a  cup  of  chocolate." 

"You  wont  join  me  then?" 

"Well,  under  the  circumstances,  as  we  are  to  be  mortal 
enemies,  I  hardly  think  it  would  be  wise.  I  have  some  of 
the  Arab's  feeling  about  breaking  bread  or  eating  salt  with 
an  enemy." 

"I  would  give  something  to  know  who  betrayed  my 
little  game." 

"Don't  worry  about  it — my  means  are  such  that  in  order 
to  learn  what  I  wish  I  am  not  compelled  to  make  traitors 
of  those  you  trust." 

"And  the  man  on  the  yacht?" 

"Oh!  Darby  is  all  right — you  can  depend  upon  it  he 
will  enjoy  himself  to  the  limit.  If  you  read  of  a  man 
breaking  the  bank  at  Monte  Carlo  presently,  make  up 
your  mind  it  was  Darby,  and  that  your  noble  generos- 
ity is  mainly  responsible  for  his  presence  in  that  notable 
place." 

Jerome  scowled  and  muttered  something. 


34  AT   DAGGERS     POINTS. 

"Perhaps  it  is  as  well  you  have  decided  to  have  your 
breakfast  in  another  quarter.  Somehow  you  have  the 
knack  of  bruising  me  most  savagely,  and  no  doubt  we 
should  be  at  each  other's  throat  like  a  couple  of  dogs,  ere 
we  finished.  I  wish  to  tell  you  distinctly  that  if  you  imag- 
ine you  can  frighten  me  off  by  such  heroics  you  are  chas- 
ing a  mirage,  a  fata  morgana  as  the  deep  sea  sailors  term 
it.  I  am  not  that  kind  of  a  man,  and  you  will  find  that 
I  sink  or  swim  by  my  record." 

Roderic  did  not  care  to  bandy  further  words  with  the 
Adonis. 

Deeds  must  tell  the  story  as  to  which  of  them  should 
win  in  the  long  run,  and  Owen  preferred  such  a  course. 

It  chanced  that  M'lle  Cleo  and  her  companion  entered 
the  room  about  this  time,  and  joining  them  Roderic  had 
his  chop  in  merry  company. 

The  daughter  of  ten  millions  looked  fresh  and  full  of 
life.  As  he  chatted  with  her  across  the  table  Owen  was 
wondering  why  she  had  never  mated. 

"It's  the  confounded  dazzle  of  her  money,"  he  decided 
finally;  "she  has  educated  herself  to  believe  no  one  can 
ever  love  her,  but  that  the  fortune  draws  them.  By  Jove ! 
she  should  hide  herself  under  an  incog,  and  thus  discover 
a  lover  who  will  worship  her  for  her  own  dear  self.  I 
warrant  there  are  many  good  fellows  who  would  gladly 
go  through  fire  and  flood  for  her  sake,  if  they  knew  her 
only  as  a  stenographer  or  schoolmam." 

Which  line  of  reasoning  did  Roderic  credit. 

That  same  fortune  had  something  to  do  with  his  own 
feelings  in  the  matter,  as  it  must  with  every  honorable 
man. 

"When  do  you  leave  Dublin?"  asked  his  cousin,  en- 
deavoring to  appear  careless. 


AT  DAGGERS'  POINTS.  35 

"I  shall  cross  to  Liverpool  to-morrow  and  take  the 
White  Star  steamer  for  New  York — unless  something 
occurs  to  change  my  plans." 

"Then  you  are  compelled  to  go  to  New  York?" 

"Only  as  a  means  of  reaching  my  ultimate  destination." 

"Which  is " 

He  lowered  his  voice. 

"Porto  Rico." 

"But,  the  danger — that  is  a  Spanish  stronghold,  and  we 
are  at  war  with  Spain." 

"Already  troops  are  ordered  to  land  there — perhaps 
General  Miles  is  on  the  way.  With  the  fall  of  Santiago 
our  efforts  are  to  be  concentrated  about  San  Juan.  A 
portion  of  the  work  falls  upon  my  shoulders — that  is  all. 
Besides,  I  naturally  want  to  be  in  at  the  death,  as  do  all 
ardent  fox  hunters  in  the  chase." 

"I  wish,  cousin,  you  would  give  up  so  dangerous  a  call- 
ing. Surely  you  are  as  well  fitted  for  other  pursuits  in 
which  your  life  would  not  be  at  stake." 

There  was  real  concern  in  her  voice,  and  Roderic  found 
his  heart  touched. 

"I  have  been  seriously  considering  that  same  matter 
myself,  and  concluded  to  make  a  change  after  the  war  is 
over." 

"Why  wait  until  then?" 

"For  many  reasons.  In  the  first  place  Western  men 
have  a  saying  that  it  is  bad  policy  to  change  horses  while 
crossing  a  stream.  It  is  also  a  poor  piece  of  business  to 
desert  your  country  while  she  has  need  of  your  services." 

"Enough.  I  know  that  your  motives  are  honorable. 
But  about  this  trip  across  to  the  Antilles — I  could  tell  you 
of  a  quicker  way  of  reaching  the  shore  of  Porto  Rico, 
that  is,  should  you  consider  it  worth  your  while  to  accept," 


36  AT  DAGGERS'  POINTS. 

with  a  tinge  of  color  in  her  cheeks,  and  a  sparkle  to  her 
blue  eyes. 

"Indeed,  I  should  like  to  hear  of  it.  Time  may  be  a 
factor  in  my  game." 

"I  made  a  purchase  in  England — you  know  I  am  some- 
thing of  a  yachtsman  in  my  way,  and  the  temptation  was 
great." 

"You  purchased  a  yacht  ?" 

"A  steam  yacht." 

"Lucky  mortal  to  be  able  to  do  such  a  thing  with  as 
little  concern  as  I  would  buy  a  cravat." 

"She  is  a  beauty,  Roderic." 

"Don't  doubt  it  in  the  least,  else  you  would  never  have 
fancied  her." 

"She  is  called  the  Dreadnaught." 

"Phew !  a  genuine  English  name.  Of  course  you  will 
change  it  to  the  Mayflower  or  Pilgrim  or  some  strictly 
Yankee  cognomen?" 

"At  present  I  must  decline  to  do  so,  as  she  sails  with  an 
English  crew  and  under  the  flag  of  Great  Britain." 

Owen  looked  puzzled,  and  then  smiled. 

"Oh !  I  see,  a  ruse  de  guerre.  Very  good,  indeed.  The 
Dreadnaught  she  shall  remain  as  long  as  our  war  with 
Spain  continues.  Well,  are  you  off  for  a  delightful  voy- 
age along  the  Mediterranean,  or  perhaps,  seeing  it  is  sum- 
mer, to  the  North  Cape,  the  Land  of  the  Midnight  Sun. 
Jove!  at  another  time  I  might  be  tempted  to  join  you — 
that  is  providing  I  were  invited." 

"I  extend  a  most  pressing  invitation  and  expect  you  to 
accept  and  be  our  compagnon  de  voyage." 

"Alas !  my  duty  lies  amid  sterner  scenes." 

"In  ten  days  you  can  be  landed  on  the  shore  of  Porto 
Rico." 


AT  DAGGERS     POINTS.  37 

He  eyed  her  in  surprise. 

"Is  your  voyage  a  westerly  one  ?" 

"We  are  intending  to  see  something  of  the  war,  that 
is  all." 

Perhaps  uncertain  but  nevertheless  alarming  visions 
were  conjured  up  in  his  mind. 

"I  am  sorry  to  hear  you  say  so.  The  conditions  exist- 
ing on  those  unhappy  islands  are  terrible.  Besides,  an 
attractive  woman  would  run  risks  among  the  lawless  ele- 
ments at  large  that  I  should  grieve  to  see  you  exposed  to." 

She  laughed,  but  at  the  same  time  his  solicitude  did  not 
appear  unwelcome  in  the  least. 

"Foolish  boy,  you  don't  suppose,  I  hope,  that  I  have  any 
Quixotic  notion  of  parading  across  the  island  carrying  the 
star  spangled  banner  wrapped  around  me.  My  object  is 
of  a  different  character.  For  once  in  my  life  I  am  to  play 
the  Lady  Bountiful.  Cuba  has  been  looked  after  as  well 
as  the  conditions  allow.  I  am  informed  there  is  also  much 
suffering  in  Porto  Rico.  I  have  had  my  yacht  stocked 
with  provisions  and  medical  stores,  and  shall  relieve  hon- 
est distress  wherever  I  find  it,  no  matter  under  what 
flag." 

"God  bless  you,  Cousin  Cleo.  You  will  find  plenty  of 
it  there.  The  Spaniards  have  tightened  the  mailed  hand 
of  late,  and  Porto  Rico  groans  under  the  scourge.  Soon 
freedom's  blessings  will  be  their  heritage.  Every  man 
whose  smallest  act  brings  such  a  consummation  to  pass, 
should  feel  proud  of  the  fact.  Where  is  this  boat  of  yours, 
cousin?" 

"Entering  Dublin  bay  this  morning." 

"And  when  will  you  leave  old  Erin?" 

"When  you  give  the  word." 

It  confused  him  a  little  to  realize  how  much  she  de- 
ferred to  his  judgment. 


38  AT  DAGGER'S  POINTS. 

"Pardon  me — will  there  be  other  passengers  ?" 

"None." 

"Then  I  will  accept" — he  had  desired  to  make  sure  Je- 
rome's hateful  presence  might  not  bring  about  a  duel  dur- 
ing the  voyage. 

"We  will  call  it  settled.  An  hour's  notice  will  find 
us  aboard,  bag  and  baggage.  Govern  your  own  actions  as 
your  duty  demands." 

"This  is  awfully  kind  of  you  Cousin  Cleo." 

"The  obligation  is  on  your  part,  to  put  up  with  our  dull 
society  for  ten  days." 

"You  hurt  me  when  you  speak  that  way.  It  will  surely 
be  one  of  the  most  pleasant  episodes  of  my  life.  I  am 
smiling  to  think  that  after  most  positively  declining  one 
yacht  voyage  last  night  I  have  so  readily  accepted  an- 
other." 

"Some  one  else  asked  you  to  go  to  Porto  Rico?" 

"Well,  no,  I  rather  imagine  the  intention  was  for  me 
to  bring  up  in  a  hotter  country  than  the  Antilles.  The 
trip  contemplated  a  voyage  to  Havre  and  then  across 
country  to  the  later  Monaco,  the  gambling  palace  of 
Monte  Carlo." 

"Oh!  I  am  glad  you  refused  to  go." 

"So  am  I.  But  the  invitation  was  very  pressing. 
However,  rather  than  disappoint  the  gentleman  I  sent  my 
representative  to  receive  the  honors." 

"It  was  a  gentleman  who  asked  you  then?" 

His  eyes  opened  with  surprise. 

"Certainly — that  is  he  did  not  really  ask  me,  you  see, 
but  arranged  a  neat  little  affair  whereby  I  was  to  be  a 
guest  of  honor." 

"How  stupid  of  me,  to  be  sure,  I  begin  to  see  now  that 
you  are  speaking  of  a  business  engagement,  not  a  social 


AT  DAGGER'S  POINTS.  39 

matter.  And  will  your  substitute  serve  as  well  as  if  you 
had  gone  ?" 

"Just  as  well,  until  they  learn  that  it  is  not  Roderic 
Owen  they  are  entertaining  with  so  lavish  a  hand,  but 
plain  Joel  Darby.  Then  I  imagine  there  will  be  an  ex- 
plosion of  some  sort  and  her  ladyship  will  show  temper." 

"Her  ladyship — then  there  is  a  woman  involved?" 

"It  is  true.  I  see,  cousin,  that  having  put  my  foot  in 
it  thus  far  I  would  do  well  to  tell  you  the  whole  story." 

"I  should  be  pleased  to  act  as  Father  Confessor,"  was 
the  quick  response. 

They  were  alone  at  the  table,  Miss  Becky  having  gone 
across  the  room  to  chat  with  a  congenial  spirit  whose  ac- 
quaintance she  had  made. 

So  Roderic  told  his  little  story  as  tersely  as  he  could, 
and  in  his  cousin  he  found  an  interested  auditor. 

"Well,  what  do  you  think  of  it?"  he  asked  when  the 
finis  had  been  reached. 

"It  is  very  dreadful." 

"Surely  I  came  out  all  right,  cousin." 

"But — suppose  you  had  not — you  would  have  been 
hypnotized  by  the  adventuress,  and  that  must  have  been 
the  end  of  you.  Oh!  I  know  the  species  and  all  their 
wiles,  having  made  a  study  of  them." 

"Does  that  sweeping  deduction  include  the  male  bipeds 
of  the  adventurer  order  also?" 

"Why  not?" 

"Because  I  might  offend  if  I  told  you  the  name  of  the 
man  who  planned  my  exodus." 

"Oh!  I  have  already  guessed  it  was  the  Adonis." 

"Yes,  Jerome  Wellington.  I  am  glad  you  know  him 
in  his  true  light.  He  has  made  a  vow." 

"I'll  wager  it  concerns  my  wretched  millions." 


40  AT  DAGGERS'  POINTS. 

"Just  so — he  longs  to  handle  them." 
"He  will  be  a  smarter  man  than  he  is  now  when  that 
happens.    But  one  thing  puzzles  me?" 

"Now  it  is  coming,"  thought  Roderic,  though  aloud  he 
said  cheerily :  "what  might  that  be  ?" 

"You  received  your  warning  from  a  nun." 

"I  was  a  fool  to  mention  the  fact,"  thought  Owen,  with 
one  of  these  wonderful  after  inspirations  that  closes  the 
door  when  the  horse  is  stolen. 

"Yes,  from  one  who  was  dressed  in  the  sombre  garb  of 
a  cloister,"  he  replied. 

"You  evidently  do  not  believe  she  was  what  she  out- 
wardly appeared?" 

"You  are  a  modern  Portia,  cousin,"  he  laughed. 

"Of  course,  a  prisoner  at  the  bar  is  not  pledged  to  com- 
mit himself.  If  I  am  over  bold  forgive  me  and  make  no 
reply.  But,  you  know,  a  woman's  curiosity  is  proverbial." 

"I  shall  answer  frankly — she  was  no  member  of  the 
Order  of  the  Holy  Grail — the  garb  was  assumed  to  con- 
ceal her  identity." 

"From  Jerome — from  you?" 

"Both,  I  presume." 

"You  recognized  her  face?" 

"I  did  not  see  that — it  was  her  voice.  Even  then  I 
was  in  a  maze  until  she  had  gone." 

"Was  it  a  very  melodious  voice,  Roderic." 

"The  sweetest — well,  yes,  a  voice  full  of  melody,"  he  re- 
plied, with  evident  confusion  that  did  not  escape  Cleo's 
quick  gaze. 

"Ah!  you  have  heard  her  sing?" 

"Dozens  of  times — like  a  nightingale,"  he  felt  forced 
to  confess. 

"This  was — where?" 


AT  DAGGER'S  POINTS.  41 

"In  San  Juan,  Porto  Rico,  two  years  back.  I  have  not 
looked  on  her  face  since  I  fled  those  shores." 

"Ah!"  and  that  one  word  expressed  keen  disappoint- 
ment, for  Cleo  read  the  story  of  his  lost  love  in  his  face. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

MILLIONS  MAY  NOT  PURCHASE  LOVE. 

"WOULD  it  be  presumptuous  if  I  asked  to  know  her 
name,  Roderic — this  girl  of  San  Juan  who  risked  so  much 
to  save  your  reputation  if  not  your  life  ?  I  feel  under  ob- 
ligations to  her,  for  your  name  is  very  dear  to  those  who 
know  you — those  bound  to  you  by  ties  of  consanguinity." 

"She  comes  of  Spanish  descent,  but  her  heart  is  now 
only  wrapped  up  in  the  future  of  the  lovely  gem  of  the 
Antilles.  Her  name  is  Georgia  Inez  de  Brabant." 

Perhaps  his  manner  gave  evidence  that  she  was  tread- 
ing on  dangerous  ground. 

"Thank  you.  Perhaps  some  day  fortune  may  bring  us 
together.  I  shall  try  to  love  her,  Roderic,  because  you 
call  her  your  friend!" 

Then  she  branched  off  upon  the  subject  of  the  cruise, 
to  which  she  seemed  to  look  forward  with  almost  child- 
ish delight. 

It  is  not  every  one  to  whom  is  given  the  proud  fortune 
to  own  a  modern  steam  yacht,  and  this  daughter  of  Eve 
could  be  forgiven  a  fair  amount  of  exhilaration  under  the 
circumstances. 

Perhaps,  truth  to  tell,  the  prospect  of  ten  days  basking 
in  the  company  of  her  athletic  cousin  had  something  to 
do  with  her  light  spirits. 

Owen's  time  was  not  wholly  his  own,  so  that  he  was 
soon  forced  to  sally  forth  upon  the  streets  of  the  Irish 
metropolis. 

When  Cleo  was  alone  she  hastened  to  her  luxurious 

42 


MILLIONS  MAY  NOT  PURCHASE  LOVE.  4J 

apartments  and  searching  the  inmost  recesses  of  an  in- 
laid traveling  writing  desk  which  had  been  taken  from 
a  capacious  trunk,  she  soon  pounced  upon  a  small  photo- 
graph. 

It  was  wretchedly  done  by  a  tyro  in  Ponce,  but  even 
boorish  work  could  not  entirely  conceal  the  fact  that  the 
face  was  that  of  a  most  lovely  dark-eyed  houri. 

Cleo  looked  eagerly  at  it. 

"I  have  had  this  now  two  years.  Roderic  dropped  it 
in  the  garden,  and  I  hid  it  away  for  a  joke  and  then  for- 
got to  speak  of  it.  This  is  the  picture  of  a  daughter  of  Porto 
Rico — is  it  the  same  who  is  now  in  Dublin,  who  last  night 
at  the  peril  of  her  name  warned  him  of  evil?  I  have 
reason  to  believe  such  to  be  the  truth,  for  unless  I  am 
greatly  mistaken  I  saw  this  same  beauty  coming  out  of 
St.  Patrick's  cathedral  yesterday  morning,  when  a  gust 
of  wind  blew  her  veil  aside.  In  this  land  where  Irish 
gray  or  blue  eyes  abound  I  was  immediately  attracted  by 
such  a  beautiful  pair  of  melting  dusky  orbs. 

"Heigho!  this  is  Roderic's  fate  no  doubt.  Heaven 
grant  that  he  may  be  happy  whate'er  betide,  for  he  de- 
serves it.  I  would  give  all  my  miserable  millions  for  his 
heart's  love,  but  it  can  not  be.  There  is  a  startling  story 
of  the  past  connected  with  this  girl,  I  am  sure.  Why  did 
they  separate — does  she  love  him  still?  Well,  perhaps 
the  future  may  tell." 

She  put  the  photograph  slowly  back  in  the  lodging 
place  where  it  had  so  long  rested  securely.  Even  great 
riches  had  not  the  power  to  bring  this  young  woman 
unalloyed  happiness,  for  the  one  treasure  she  would  have 
valued  above  all  other  earthly  possessions  seemed  denied 
her  by  a  cruel  fate. 

It  were  hardly  fair  that  all  the  joys  of  earth  were  handed 
over  to  the  disposal  of  one  mortal. 


44  MILLIONS  MAY  NOT  PURCHASE  LOVE. 

While  she  rolled  in  wealth  beyond  Aladdin's  dreams 
and  sighed  for  true  love,  many  who  were  blessed  in  this 
regard  struggled  for  a  daily  pittance  and  groaned  be- 
cause their  heart's  devotion  could  not  come  between  the 
object  of  their  worship  and  cruel  Want. 

Truly,  this  is  a  queer  old  world,  and  at  times  it  seems 
unequally  divided ;  but  occasionally  there  is  a  shaking  up 
all  around  that  evens  things  up  somewhat. 

Possessed  of  a  sudden  notion  Cleo  dressed  for  the 
street. 

When  she  went  out  it  was  with  a  laughing  remark  to 
Miss  Becky,  whom  she  intercepted  upon  the  broad  car- 
peted main  stairway,  to  the  effect  that  a  number  of  little 
shopping  duties  had  to  be  looked  after. 

However,  M'lle  Cleo's  ideas  of  the  shopping  district 
must  have  become  a  little  mixed,  for  she  sauntered  in  the 
direction  of  that  quaint  mass  of  stone  and  glass  with  its 
spire  and  numerous  minarets  known  as  St.  Patrick's 
Cathedral. 

She  looked  through  the  iron  fence  at  the  flat  slabs  and 
few  monuments  commemorating  illustrious  Irish  dead, 
she  studied  the  architecture  of  the  historic  building,  and 
cast  many  a  curious  glance  at  those  who  passed  in  to  late 
mass  or  came  out  from  the  interior. 

Her  object  seemed  doomed  to  disappointment,  for  the 
face  she  sought  was  not  seen. 

Once  she  eyed  a  lady  closely  veiled,  who  came  out  in 
company  with  a  military  looking  gentleman  sporting  a 
shaggy  head  of  gray  hair  A  la  Mark  Twain,  also  a  fero- 
cious mustache  waxed  at  the  ends  and  giving  the  wearer 
the  fierce  appearance  of  King  Humbert. 

As  the  couple  passed  Cleo  she  chanced  to  hear  the  lady 
make  a  casual  remark,  and  two  things  struck  the  listener 
as  singular. 


MILLIONS  MAY  NOT  PURCHASE  LOVE.  45 

First  it  was  pure  Spanish  she  heard. 

Second,  her  voice  was  so  very  melodious  it  seemed  to 
conjure  up  visions  of  rippling  water,  warbling  birds  and 
all  those  things  of  which  poets  love  to  rave. 

Cleo  remembered — could  she  ever  forget  the  pain  that 
shot  through  her  heart  at  the  time — how  Roderic  had 
grown  suddenly  enthusiastic  when  he  declared  the  voice 
of  Senorita  de  Brabant  as  musical  as  the  notes  of  a  night- 
ingale— she  had  doubtless  sung  for  him  many  times  those 
passionate  serenades  and  love  songs  for  which  dark  eyed 
daughters  of  old  Spain  have  ever  been  famous. 

Cleo  could  imagine  how  those  wonderful  black  orbs 
glowed  with  love's  sacred  fire  when  he  sat  near,  upon  a 
soft  divan,  or  bent  over  the  gurgling  fountain's  basin. 

She  felt  sick  at  heart,  but  such  a  nature  never  reveals 
the  pain  that  rankles  within. 

Though  suffering  tortures  such  girls  will  laugh  and 
seem  as  merry  as  the  lightest  hearted  among  their  com- 
rades. 

After  that  came  the  shopping,  and  yet  Cleo  was  an- 
noyed to  find  herself  listening  to  every  voice  upon  the 
street  and  in  the  stores. 

Surely  there  could  not  be  another  in  all  Dublin  that  so 
fully  filled  the  brief  but  graphic  description  Roderic  had 
given  of  a  woman's  tones  sounding  like  the  soft  gurgling 
of  water  over  the  mossy  stones  in  the  primeval  forest. 

"I  wonder  under  what  conditions  we  will  meet,  for 
something  tells  me  this  is  bound  to  occur.  And  shall  I 
too  be  drawn  to  her  because  he  has  given  his  heart?  Will 
she  love  him — love  mv  old  play  fellow  Roderic  as — as  I 
could  do,  have  done  these  many  years?  Perhaps,  but  I 
doubt  it,  doubt  whether  these  hot  blooded  girls  of  the 
tropic  isles  can  love  so  truly  that  they  will  sacrifice  even 


46  MILLIONS  MAY  NOT  PURCHASE  LOVE. 

their  own  happiness  in  order  that  his  life  may  be  filled 
with  sunshine.  Still,  God  forgive  me  for  judging  her 
harshly.  I  have  other  things — his  love  may  be  all  in  all 
to  her.  Come  what  will  I  shall  do  what  is  right  and  loyal 
and  true  as  becomes  a  daughter  of  Virginia.  But  oh! 
it  is  hard  to  give  him  up,  my  hope,  my  boy  lover,  my 
Roderic.  Now  I  am  done !" 

Having  thus  grimly  dismissed  the  matter  from  her 
mind  for  the  present  the  young  lady  proceeded  to  carry 
out  her  designs. 

4  Numerous  things  were  on  her  list  to  be  added  to  the 
abundant  stores  aboard  the  yacht,  and  it  would  probably 
puzzle  the  honest  steward,  she  imagined,  to  know  what 
to  do  with  the  last  arrivals. 

"If  I  remained  in  Dublin  three  days  more  I  am  sure  we 
would  be  swamped  in  the  bay  made  celebrated  by  song 
and  story,  or  else  be  compelled  to  charter  a  companion 
boat  to  share  our  cargo — there  are  so  many  things  I  see 
that  could  be  made  useful  among  the  wretched  people 
just  escaping  from  Spanish  rule,  and  these  Irish  store- 
keepers one  and  all,  must  have  had  an  intimate  acquaint- 
ance with  the  Blarney  stone,  they  have  such  engaging 
ways  and  a  burning  desire  to  accumulate  Uncle  Sam's 
coin.  This  is  an  era  of  good  feeling — of  hands  across 
the  sea — Brother  John  and  Brother  Jonathan,  and  they 
all  want  to  be  in  it  as  deep  as  possible.  However,  I  think 
I  am  actually  done.  It  would  be  impossible  to  accept  all 
they  offer." 

So  the  purchasing  agency  went  reluctantly  out  of  com- 
mission. 

Even  the  owner  of  millions  must  draw  the  line  some- 
where. 

Roderic  was  not  to  be  seen  at  luncheon,  although  Cleo 


MILLIONS  MAY  NOT  PURCHASE  LOVE.  47 

purposely  lingered  over  the  meal,  hoping  he  would  turn 
up. 

Jerome  was  there,  handsome  as  ever,  and  apparently 
much  sought  after  by  a  designing  lady  mother  from  Chi- 
cago who  possessed  two  plain  girls  of  a  marriageable  age. 

No  doubt  they  believed  him  a  marquis,  or  at  the  very 
least  connected  with  some  noble  family  anxious  to  make 
a  "connection"  with  pork. 

These  things  happen  frequently,  and  there  really  seems 
.no  remedy — the  market  is  there  and  the  goods  offered 
for  sale.  Occasionally  a  genuine  love  match  occurs  which 
redounds  to  the  credit  of  Old  England  and  Young  Amer- 
ica; but  for  the  most  part  they  are  cut  and  dried  affairs 
entered  into  for  position  on  one  side  and  gold  on  the  other. 
Such  unions  are  beneath  contempt. 

Jerome  bowed  and  smiled  in  his  usual  affable  manner, 
and  Cleo  answered  him  just  as  though  she  had  not  been 
informed  of  his  dark  schemes. 

This  matter  of  fact  young  woman  had  traveled  far  and 
wide — she  had  rubbed  up  against  all  manner  of  people, 
and  long  since  ceased  to  be  excessively  surprised  at  any- 
thing. 

Wellington  was  simply  carrying  out  the  business  for 
which  nature  had  endowed  him. 

There  were  many  people  gifted  with  more  money  than 
brains — the  reverse  was  true  in  his  case,  and  he  amused 
himself  by  endeavoring  to  bring  about  a  more  evenly  bal- 
anced condition  of  affairs,  to  his  pecuniary  advantage,  of 
course. 

Cleo  could  even  find  something  to  admire  about  his 
bold  piratical  way  of  living  by  his  wits — at  least  he  had 
more  of  the  man  about  him  than  most  of  the  petted  dar- 
lings of  society  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic  who  fawned 


48 

upon  her  in  a  sickly  sentimental  way  from  precisely  the 
same  sinister  motives  that  influenced  Wellington's  bold 
attacks. 

Let  these  parvenu  mammas  with  daughters  to  sell  pay 
the  penalty  for  their  sin. 

As  the  day  wore  on  and  she  saw  nothing  of  Roderic 
she  began  to  feel  a  little  worried. 

Could  harm  have  befallen  him? 

She  knew  the  unscrupulous  character  of  those  elements 
which  he  usually  pitted  his  powers  against. 

Perhaps  Wellington,  that  suave  deluder,  not  one  whit 
discouraged  by  his  first  failure,  had  promptly  opened 
his  secondary  batteries. 

Still,  it  seemed  almost  ridiculous  to  believe  harm  could 
have  befallen  a  sensible  man  like  Roderic  in  the  open 
streets  of  Dublin  while  the  sun  was  shining. 

Had  it  been  Algiers,  Constantinople,  Pekin  or  some 
city  of  mysterious  India,  the  case  would  have  appeared 
far  more  serious,  for  uncanny  things  are  liable  to  occur 
in  such  Oriental  marts  at  any  hour  of  the  day  or  night. 

As  evening  drew  on  apace  she  found  herself  watching 
the  doorway  beyond  which  lay  the  calm  square  known 
as  St.  Stephens'  Green. 

Her  captain  had  come  ashore  for  a  comparison  of 
ideas,  and  was  still  with  her,  since  Cleo  desired  him  to 
meet  her  cousin. 

They  would  see  much  of  each  other  during  the  voyage, 
and  she  particularly  desired  to  bring  about  the  meeting 
of  two  congenial  souls. 

Dinner  passed. 

Still  no  Roderic. 

She  confided  her  fears  in  part  to  the  captain. 

The  worthy  seadog  was  able  to  wrestle  with  any  per- 


MILLIONS  MAY  NOT  PURCHASE  LOVE.  49 

ple*dng  problem  that  might  assail  them  afloat,  but  when 
it  came  to  mastering  the  wiles  apt  to  beset  a  man's  path 
ashore  he  confessed  his  ignorance. 

Nothing  could  be  done — they  must  wait  till  a  sign  of 
some  kind  was  given. 

That  was  the  exasperating  part,  for  Cleo  was  naturally 
a  girl  of  decided  action. 

An  hour  crept  by  since  dinner — two  of  them,  and  it  was 
now  drawing  near  ten  o'clock. 

No  one  entered  the  door  but  that  Cleo's  eyes  were  in- 
stantly upon  them,  and  disappointment  had  as  yet  been 
the  only  result. 

She  endeavored  to  be  her  own  lively  self  but  it  required 
a  great  effort. 

Roderic  might  be  in  danger,  but  somehow  she  was  pos- 
sessed of  the  idea  that  it  was  more  from  a  pair  of  mid- 
night eyes  than  a  murderous  stiletto,  for  Cleo  could  not 
forget  the  face  she  had  seen,  the  lovely  original  of  her 
photograph,  who  was  even  now  in  Dublin. 

Was  her  power  of  enchantment  over  Roderic  still  un- 
broken— could  she  draw  him  to  her  even  after  an  absence 
of  two  years — had  the  bar  that  separated  them  been  cast 
aside  ? 

How  these  questions  flashed  before  her  eyes  and  seemed 
burned  upon  her  brain  like  coals  of  fire.  She  suffered  in- 
tensely, but  the  bluff  old  sea  dog  never  knew  it — indeed 
he  believed  her  to  be  unusually  brilliant,  her  wit  was  so 
keen  and  her  suggestions  as  to  their  coming  voyage  so 
remarkably  clever. 

She  dreaded  the  thought  of  having  to  retire  in  this 
state  of  uncertainty. 

The  hour  drew  on — it  neared  eleven,  and  the  ladies  had 
wholly  disappeared. 


SO  MILLIONS  MAY  NOT  PURCHASE  LOVE. 

Then  Cleo  suddenly  gave  a  sigh  of  relief,  for  her  eager 
eyes  had  discovered  his  well  known  figure  entering  the 
front  door  of  the  hotel. 

She  noted  instantly  that  he  looked  disturbed,  and  that 
his  usually  natty  appearance  was  lacking — and  practical 
Cleo  knew  Roderic  had  been  through  an  adventure.  Half 
rising  as  she  beckoned  to  him,  she  awaited  his  coming 
with  breathless  impatience. 


CHAPTER  V. 

RODERICKS  REPENTANCE. 

RODERIC  had  indeed  been  up  against  it  good  and  hard 
since  leaving  his  cousin  at  the  breakfast  table. 

He  had  entered  upon  his  duties  of  the  day  with  a  vim, 
desirous  of  closing  his  accounts  so  that  he  might  get  away 
on  the  next  morning,  if  Cleo  and  her  captain  were  willing. 

During  the  morning  he  was  haunted  by  certain  facts 
which  bore  heavily  upon  the  relations  existing  between 
present  conditions  and  those  that  prevailed  two  years 
back. 

The  girl  from  Porto  Rico  occupied  a  prime  place  in  all 
these  reflections. 

Every  word  that  had  been  spoken  by  her  on  the  pre- 
ceding night  came  again  before  his  mental  vision,  and 
underwent  a  revised  scrutiny. 

New  solutions  sprang  up,  for  he  was  able  to  better  un- 
derstand certain  things  that  were  uttered. 

Still  there  was  much  to  puzzle  him. 

How  came  she  to  know  of  Cleo,  his  cousin — true,  in 
times  past,  when  paradise  seemed  opening  to  his  feet — 
ah,  what  a  fool's  dream  he  had  indulged  in — he  must  have 
frequently  spoken  of  his  cousin,  for  she  was  often  in  his 
mind;  but  that  would  not  account  for  her  pertinent  re- 
marks concerning  Cleo's  attachment  for  him. 

Was  it  jealousy  prompted  this? 

Roderic  flushed  with  pleasure  at  the  very  thought  of 
such  a  thing,  since  the  green-eyed  monster  can  never 
lodge  in  a  human  heart  unless  there  still  remains  love  to 
stir  the  depths. 

51 


52  RODERICKS  REPENTANCE. 

Then,  somehow,  he  felt  a  strange  shudder  pass  through 
his  whole  frame. 

Would  it  bring  trouble  of  any  kind  to  this  loyal  cousin, 
whose  welfare  was  certainly  as  dear  to  him  as  that  of  a 
sister  ? 

He  knew  much  of  these  southern  women — their  virtues 
and  frailties — and  realized  what  a  serious  thing  it  meant 
to  be  passionately  loved  by  one  of  them,  and  how  ill  they 
brooked  rivalry. 

The  love  Georgia  had  given  him  was  so  entirely  differ- 
ent from  the  pure,  unselfish  devotion  of  which  Cleo  was 
capable — he  knew  this  as  well  as  any  one,  and  yet  with 
his  eyes  open  he  had  chosen  the  rush  of  the  hurricane  to 
the  calm,  steady  current  of  never  changing  regard. 

Love  is  a  little  god  who  will  have  his  way  despite  rea- 
son and  philosophy. 

Once  poor  mortal  falls  under  his  sway  and  farewell  to 
discernment — from  that  time  on  Cupid  sits  in  the  balance, 
and  weighs  things  to  suit  his  own  capricious  nature. 

Thus  our  good  Roderic  found  himself  worried  with  a 
variety  of  new  questions,  such  as  it  had  not  occurred  to 
him  before  could  ever  come  up  in  connection  with  his 
affairs. 

They  cropped  up  before  him  in  his  business  and  he 
found  it  utterly  impossible  to  get  rid  of  them.  What  was 
on  the  heart  must  have  a  place  in  the  mind  in  spite  of  stern 
endeavors  to  banish  his  own  private  affairs  from  the  front. 

Thus  the  day  wore  on. 

Things  worked  fairly  well. 

He  sent  some  letters,  and  toward  the  close  of  the  after- 
noon some  telegrams  in  cipher  intended  for  those  con- 
nected with  the  government  at  Washington  in  whose 
special  line  he  was  working. 


RODERICKS  REPENTANCE.  S3 

Finally  he  pronounced  his  work  done. 

Unless  some  late  orders,  which  he  did  not  look  for, 
turned  up  to  intercept  him,  he  was  free  to  shake  the  dust 
of  old  Erin  from  his  shoes  on  the  morrow. 

He  anticipated  the  voyage  to  the  West  Indies  with  con- 
siderable pleasure,  for,  as  the  veil  of  the  future  can  not  be 
raised  by  mortal  hands,  how  was  he  to  know  what  strange 
happenings  might  occur  before  the  anchor  was  lifted,  to 
change  his  relations  to  the  owner  of  the  yacht? 

About  sundown  he  visited  a  store  on  Lower  Sackville 
street  where  he  had  been  receiving  his  mail. 

There  was  a  message  awaiting  him. 

It  came  from  Darby. 

How  that  remarkable  man  had  managed  to  mail  the 
letter  was  a  puzzle  to  Roderic,  but  no  doubt  he  had  pre- 
pared the  envelope  with  a  stamp  and  found  some  means 
of  getting  it  posted  by  bribing  a  sailor. 

Darby  could  accomplish  anything  under  heaven  when 
he  made  up  his  mind. 

The  note  was  brief  and  epigrammatic,  just  as  Darby's 
speech  had  always  been.  Time  was  worth  money  to  him, 
and  he  used  very  few  words. 

"They  got  me  as  per  agreement.  We  are  on  the  way  to 
Havre.  Will  touch  at  coast  of  Cornwall  for  private  rea- 
sons of  captain.  Mail  this  there  if  possible.  The  French 
m'amselle  aboard.  Charming  young  woman.  Think  I 
shall  be  pleasantly  entertained,  as  she  has  a  voice  like  a 
bird.  Do  not  pity  me,  comrade.  I  may  go  all  the  way 
to  Monte  Carlo.  Who  could  refuse  such  good  fortune? 
More  anon." 

That  was  all. 

Roderic  laughed  when  he  read  it. 

"What  a  sly  dog  that  Darby  is— outwardly  an  iceberg,  a 


54  RODERIC  S  REPENTANCE. 

glacier,  he  yet  possesses  the  capacity  for  adoring  lovely 
woman.  Perhaps  he  may  yet  be  wrecked  upon  the  same 
reefs  that  have  been  the  destruction  of  so  many.  Alas !  poor 
Yorick.  But  I  am  willing  to  wager  that  at  least  he  ex- 
tracts some  fun  out  of  this  game  before  he  gives  up  the 
ghost." 

And  now,  dinner! 

The  thought  was  delightful,  since  his  appetite  had  be- 
come clamorous,  and  besides  there  was  great  pleasure  in 
the  anticipation  of  some  hours  in  the  society  of  his  cousin. 
Cleo  could  chat  so  entertainingly  of  many  things  he  had 
seen,  for  both  were  great  travelers. 

She  had  visited  the  frequented  thoroughfares  of  ordi- 
nary travel.  Besides,  she  had  gone  from  Europe  to  India 
via  the  overland  Afghanistan  and  Khyber  Pass  route,  had 
looked  upon  the  celebrated  Vale  of  Cashmere,  wandered 
in  Cathay,  and  was  at  home  in  Japan. 

It  can  be  readily  understood  how  much  satisfaction 
Roderic  found  in  chatting  with  her  on  these  subjects,  for 
the  fever  of  exploration  was  growing  upon  him  all  the 
while — he  yearned  to  delve  amid  the  wild  places  of  earth 
seldom  or  never  gazed  upon  by  the  eyes  of  civilization — he 
had  already  ridden  on  elephants  in  Siam,  mounted  the  Pe- 
ruvian Andes  on  a  llama,  explored  the  Himalayas  with 
adventurous  officers,  their  only  vehicle  being  drawn  by 
yaks ;  and  once  Roderic  had  scoured  the  desolate  Kirghiz 
steppes  on  a  tarantas  drawn  by  shuffling  camels. 

Secretly  he  aspired  to  some  day  make  his  way  to  the 
Forbidden  City  of  Tibet,  where  the  foot  of  a  white  man 
has  never  yet  trodden,  and  whose  gorgeous  wonders  yet 
remain  sealed  books  to  the  world — a  city  which  the  bold 
traveler  Harry  Savage  Landor  recently  endeavored  to 
reach  but  was  forced  to  abandon  the  task  as  impossible. 


RODERICKS  REPENTANCE.  55 

At  present  of  course  these  things  were  hung  up  in  abey- 
ance, since  his  beloved  country  was  at  war  with  Spain, 
and  called  upon  her  patriotic  sons  to  overwhelm  the  en- 
emy, both  in  the  field  and  under  the  guise  of  diplomacy. 

The  pursuit  of  his  business  had  taken  him  far  out  from 
the  central  part  of  the  city  and  the  river  Liffey. 

From  Donnybrook  he  had  crossed  to  the  region  of  Rath- 
mines,  where  in  an  interview  with  one  whose  word  carried 
great  weight  among  the  Fenian  brotherhood,  he  learned 
that  the  mission  of  the  Spanish  schemers  had  failed. 

This  was  a  matter  of  great  importance  to  those  faithful 
statesmen  at  Washington  who  labored  to  prevent  any  com- 
bination of  European  Powers  against  Young  America — 
it  meant  that  the  great  coalition  would  pull  through  and 
that  poor  Spain  must  take  her  drubbing. 

He  had  mounted  to  the  upper  deck  of  a  tramcar  and 
was  on  the  way  back  to  the  city,  surveying  with  considera- 
ble interest  the  names  of  the  many  villas,  places  and  ter- 
races, for  every  householder  apparently  desired  to  mark 
his  residence  by  some  appropriate  designation. 

From  this  state  of  beatitude,  superinduced  by  the  clear 
consciousness  of  a  day's  work  well  done  and  the  soothing 
effect  of  a  good  pipe,  Roderic  was  without  the  least  warn- 
ing precipitated  into  a  condition  of  tremendous  excite- 
ment. 

He  had  just  noted  the  old  name  on  a  rough  stone  gate 
post  "Lucknow  Bungalow,"  and  was  wondering  if  some 
gallant  retired  officer  who  had  seen  exciting  days  with 
Havelock,  or  later  with  gallant  Roberts,  might  live  in  cozy 
retirement  here,  surrounded  by  objects  brought  from  the 
far  distant  realm  of  Her  Majesty  the  Empress  of  India, 
when  some  magnetism  seemed  to  draw  his  gaze  toward 
the  romantic  house  set  back  a  little  from  the  road. 


5  6  RODERICKS  REPENTANCE. 

Just  at  the  same  instant  some  one  leaned  out  of  an 
open  window  as  if  to  close  a  shutter,  some  one  whose  per- 
sonality acted  upon  Roderic  very  much  as  might  a  shock 
of  electricity. 

Of  course  it  was  the  girl  from  Porto  Rico. 

That  she  saw  him  and  recognized  him  Roderic  realized 
instantly. 

It  was  another  freak  of  Fate. 

When  the  three  sisters  who  weave  our  destinies  with 
distaff  and  loom,  conspire  against  a  poor  mortal,  there  is 
little  use  trying  to  dodge  the  snare,  since  the  loop  falls 
over  one's  shoulders  on  the-  most  unexpected  occasions, 
and  usually  without  warning. 

Roderic  yielded,  rescue  or  no  rescue,  at  once. 

He  immediately  arose  from  his  place  and  made  down 
the  winding  stairs  at  the  end  of  the  car.  The  vehicle  had 
been  progressing  meanwhile  as  rapidly  as  two  sturdy  Irish 
horses  could  draw  it  along  the  rails,  and  by  the  time  the 
gentleman  from  across  the  Atlantic  reached  terra  firma 
they  were  half  a  block  away  from  the  bungalow  and  its 
stone  posts. 

Roderic  had  not  developed  any  plan  of  action — what 
he  did  was  from  sheer  impulse. 

The  sight  of  her  face  had  spurred  him  on — nor  might 
this  be  set  down  as  the  only  instance  where  a  woman's 
lovely  countenance  caused  unpremeditated  action  on  the 
part  of  a  usually  conservative  and  well  balanced  man. 

When  he  reached  the  distinguishing  stone  pillars  upon 
which  he  read  the  name  of  the  villa,  Roderic  boldly  turned 
in. 

Prudence  might  have  dictated  another  course,  for  there 
was  reason  to  believe,  as  both  Darby  and  himself  had  dis- 
covered, that  the  old  Porto  Rican  general,  Georgia's 


RODERIC'S   REPENTANCE.  57 

uncle  in  fact,  was  allied  with  those  who  had  endeavored 
to  work  the  grand  scheme. 

Therefore,  he  would  not  be  apt  to  look  upon  any  Yan- 
kee, and  particularly  Roderic  Owen,  with  favor. 

General  Porfidio  to  the  contrary,  the  American  strode 
past  the  sentinel  posts,  up  the  box  bordered  walk  and  di- 
rectly to  the  front  door. 

This  was  his  nature,  bold  to  a  fault,  ready  to  walk  di- 
rectly up  to  the  cannon's  mouth  if  duty  but  half  demanded 
it. 

It  was  the  Irish  element  in  his  blood,  for  where  that 
strain  goes  throughout  the  peoples  of  the  wide  world,  it 
carries  with  it  devotion  and  gallantry. 

Before  he  could  lay  a  hand  upon  the  knocker,  that  rep- 
resented a  bronze  Hindoo  god,  the  door  softly  opened. 

A  young  girl  stood  there. 

As  he  looked  at  her,  framed  in  the  opening,  with  the 
light  of  the  setting  sun  falling  upon  her  wondrous  face, 
Roderic  held  his  very  breath,  for  he  was  again  under  the 
spell  of  her  dusky  eyes,  that  ever  wove  a  web  of  enchant- 
ment about  him. 

Thus  they  stood,  these  two  who  had  parted  some  years 
before — stood  and  stared  and  said  not  a  single  word  for 
more  than  a  full  minute. 

What  they  lived  over  in  those  sixty  seconds  of  time 
God  only  knows. 

Perhaps  there  came  up  before  them  a  vision  of  Paradise 
Lost — of  sweet  scented  flowers,  flashing  fountains,  carol- 
ing birds — of  a  West  Indian  garden  where  the  God  of 
Love  reigned,  where  the  soft  tinkle  of  magic  mandolin 
accompanied  songs  of  hottest  devotion,  where  eyes  looked 
into  eyes  and  drank  to  the  fill  of  heaven's  nectar,  where 
vows  of  constancy  were  fervently  breathed  and  returned. 


$8  RODERIC'S   REPENTANCE. 

Alas !  how  many  times  these  same  maddening  memories 
arise  to  haunt  broken  hearts,  for  human  nature  is  weak, 
and  prone  to  wander  afar  after  strange  idols. 

Roderic  recovered  his  voice,  and  while  he  still  kept  his 
eyes  on  her  glowing  face  he  said,  quietly: 

"You  expected  me — you  knew  I  would  come?" 

"I  believed  you  would  when  I  saw  you  look  this  way," 
she  admitted;  and  then  added:  "but  I  do  not  know  why 
you  are  here,  Senor  Roderic." 

"Perhaps  to  thank  you." 

"For  what?"  confused. 

"Your  garb  deceived  me  last  night,  but  I  knew  the  voice 
which  you  could  not  wholly  disguise.  I  wish  to  tell  you 
how—" 

"Stop.  I  do  not  desire  to  hear  your  gratitude.  It  was 
a  duty  with  me.  By  chance  I  learned  of  the  miserable 
plot.  I  could  not  bear  to  even  see  an  enemy  so  badly 
used,  much  less  one  whom  I  once  delighted  to  call — my 
friend." 

"Once — are  we  then  no  longer  such  ?" 

"Senor,  your  welfare  will  always  be  regarded  with  in- 
terest by  me,"  coldly. 

"You  have  condemned  me  unheard,"  with  a  gesture  of 
despair. 

"Not  I,  senor,  but  yourself.  The  choice  lay  before  you, 
and  you  decided  to  flee  from  San  Juan — from  Elysium. 
You  were  unjust — for  once  in  your  life.  You  alone, 
senor,  condemned,  not  I." 

"But — was  there  no  reason — I  beg  of  you,  I  implore, 
an  answer?" 

"Senor,  this  is  a  house  where  danger  lurks  for  you — 
a  house  where  plots  are  nightly  considered  against  your 
people.  It  would  be  better  for  you  to  go  away  lest  some 


RODERIC'S  REPENTANCE.  59 

of  these  hot  headed  Spanish  sympathizers  set  eyes  on 
you." 

"Let  them  go  to  the  devil — what  care  I  for  all  the  Span- 
iards in  Christendom.  I  shall  stay  here  just  as  long  as  I 
like — as  long  as  you  allow  me." 

"Ah!  senor,  but  you  did  not  always  exhibit  that  same 
spirit — there  was  one  Spaniard  you  feared  worse  than 
Satan  does  holy  water." 

The  spirit  of  coquetry  ever  lives  in  woman,  and  this 
girl  could  not  resist  giving  poor  Owen  a  little  thrust  even 
while  her  heart  was  wonderfully  stirred  by  his  presence. 

"Yes,  Julio,  the  handsome  bolero  dancer,  who  had  once 
been  a  famous  toreador  in  Spain.  As  I  hope  for  salvation 
I  believe  you  favored  his  advances — you  laughed  at  me 
when  a  denial  was  what  I  asked.  Words  followed,  for 
my  part  in  which  may  Heaven  forgive  me,  and  we  parted 
in  hot  anger,  we  two  who  had  been  all  in  all  to  each  other. 
Georgia,  will  you  answer  that  question  now?"  he  asked, 
holding  her  eyes  enthralled  by  his  eager  gaze. 

She  did  not  speak,  only  put  out  her  hand  and  plucked 
him  by  the  sleeve. 

It  was  only  a  gentle  pull,  but  to  Roderic  Owen  the 
power  of  a  giant  steam  engine  could  not  exert  greater 
force. 

She  meant  that  he  should  enter  that  East  Indian  bower 
— she  would  answer  his  passionate  question — the  doubts 
and  fears  that  had  haunted  him  lo,  these  many  moons 
were  on  the  eve  of  being  forever  put  to  rest. 

Thus  he  followed  her  through  the  doorway  and  pres- 
ently found  himself  in  a  little  parlor  where  walls  and  man- 
tles were  almost  covered  with  hundreds  of  strange  me- 
mentoes of  the  land  of  Buddha  and  Vishnu — grinning 
idols,  miniature  elephants,  tiger  skins,  queer  swords  and 


60  RODERIC'S  REPENTANCE. 

knives,  and  wonderful  pieces  of  colored  work  fashioned 
by  the  cunning  handicraft  of  those  natives  of  Bengal  and 
Ceylon. 

Upon  the  floor  were  strewn  very  costly  rugs  from 
Dagestan  and  Persia. 

There  was  an  air  of  romance  hovering  about  the  apart- 
ment— even  the  peculiar  Oriental  odor  that  was  so  pro- 
nounced, seemed  to  be  associated  with  tender  scenes. 

Roderic  felt  it,  and  a  strange  eagerness  took  possession 
of  his  heart. 

Was  such  happiness  as  he  had  never  allowed  himself 
to  dream  could  dawn  upon  him  again  about  to  become 
his  guest  ? 

Having  led  him  into  this  apartment,  the  girl  drew  back 
the  Bagdad  curtains  in  order  that  more  light  from  the 
westerly  sun  might  enter,  after  which  she  advanced  slowly 
toward  him. 

Her  head  was  lowered,  so  that  he  knew  not  whether 
those  wonderful  orbs  were  filled  with  love  or  contempt, 
and  the  uncertainty  alarmed  him. 

"You  have  surely  not  brought  me  in  here  to  upbraid, 
Georgia — I  cannot  believe  that.  It  would  have  been 
enough  had  you  desired  me  to  go,  to  have  told  me  so  out- 
side, and  while  ready  to  ask  forgiveness  on  my  knees,  if 
you  assured  me  I  was  quite  in  the  wrong,  I  would  have 
turned  away  without  one  reproach,  deserving  all.  I  asked 
you  the  question  that  has  burned  itself  upon  my  brain 
ever  since  that  hour  when  I  flung  myself  out  of  your  pres- 
ence so  madly,  and  vowed  never  again  to  believe  in  a 
woman's  love.  Was  dashing  Julio  anything  to  you  then 
— is  he  now?" 

Then  she  threw  back  her  proud  head  and  looked  him 
in  the  face — he  was  answered  even  before  she  spoke  a 
word. 


RODERICKS   REPENTANCE.  6 1 

"One  finger  of  your  hand,  Roderic  Owen,  yes,  even  its 
tip  was  of  more  value  to  me  in  those  days  than  a  dozen 
bolero  dancers  with  their  graceful  movements  and  thread- 
bare love  phrases.  Julio  sued  in  vain — I  laughed  him  to 
scorn — I  have  not  seen  him  from  the  hour  you  fled." 

Then  a  glad  cry  burst  from  his  lips — he  opened  his 
arms  and  would  have  seized  upon  her,  believing  that  she 
had  forgiven — that  the  old  conditions  could  be  thus  easily 
revived,  since  the  barrier  that  had  separated  them  was 
swept  aside. 

He  had  lowered  his  pride — he  had  humbly  cried 
"peccavi — I  have  sinned,"  and  it  was  reasonable  to  believe 
that  if  she  still  cherished  the  love  she  once  bore  him,  this 
girl  of  the  Antilles  would  fall  into  his  embrace  to  forgive 
and  be  forgiven. 

But  instead  she  stepped  back,  eluding  his  grasp,  and 
while  panting  with  emotion,  said  resolutely : 

"Stand  back,  Senor  Roderic — touch  me  not  I  command 
you!" 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ON  THE   BORDERS  OF  PARADISE. 

WHILE  Owen  had  doubtless  encountered  many  rude 
shocks  during  his  adventurous  life  he  never  had  such  a 
staggering  blow  dealt  him  as  when  this  beauty  from  the 
Antilles  so  peremptorily  ordered  him  to  approach  no 
nearer. 

Unconsciously  he  obeyed,  and  yet  seemed  amazed  at 
himself  for  not  crushing  her  form  in  his  embrace  as  he 
had  done  in  times  gone  by  when  the  whole  realm  of  earth 
had  been  centered  in  her  beloved  presence. 

Had  she  then  ceased  to  love  him — true,  he  had  been 
cruel  in  his  judgment,  but  since  on  his  part  time  had  ef- 
fected no  apparent  cure,  could  it  be  possible  that  she  de- 
spised where  once  she  adored  ? 

He  searched  for  an  answer,  nor  did  he  have  to  look 
long. 

Under  his  troubled  gaze  burning  blushes  swept  over 
her  face  and  neck — she  trembled  with  the  intensity  of 
her  emotions,  her  breath  came  in  quick,  spasmodic  gasps, 
and  she  looked  like  a  beautiful  fluttering  bird  facing  its 
fate. 

Love  still  reigned  in  her  heart  where  he  had  once  been 
king. 

Then  why  this  strange  action — while  yet  loving  did  she 
mean  to  sacrifice  this  man  who  to  her  had  been  a  god, 
however  gross  his  material  may  have  appeared  to  other 
eyes? 

Was  resentment,  the  desire  to  avenge  her  wrongs  para- 
mount to  love  ? 

62 


ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE.  63 

While  the  ways  of  womankind  were  not  wholly  a  sealed 
book  to  Owen,  he  had  always  frankly  confessed  himself 
unable  to  understand  them.  Yes,  he  had  even  drilled  him- 
self into  the  habit  of  being  surprised  at  nothing  the  sex 
might  do,  either  noble  or  otherwise — they  were  full  of  the 
unexpected  to  him. 

"You  say  stand  back — see,  I  obey  you.  Tell  me  to  go, 
and  I  leave  your  presence  forever.  And  yet  I  am  wretch- 
edly sorry  and  would  do  all  in  my  power  to  wipe  out  the 
past,  to  make  you  believe  in  me  as  once  you  did.  Is  there 
any  such  way — shall  I  have  a  chance,  Georgia?" 

He  knew  the  power  of  his  voice  over  her — he  could  see 
her  bosom  heave  with  the  intensity  of  her  feelings. 

Still  she  did  not  yield — this  daughter  of  the  Antilles 
was  made  of  sterner  stuff  than  to  be  swept  along  by  every 
passing  breeze  like  the  fallen  leaves  of  autumn. 

"Perhaps,"  she  replied,  slowly. 

''You  would  impose  conditions — well,  it  is  only  right 
and  fair.  Let  them  be  what  they  will  I  am  ready  to  un- 
dertake them.  The  harder  the  better,  since  by  that 
means  I  can  prove  the  strength  of  my  love,  the  bitterness 
with  which  I  regard  my  conduct  of  the  past." 

"I  said  perhaps.  Have  you  forgotten  what  I  declared 
last  night?"  and  her  eyes  dropped  in  confusion. 

"You  warned  me — you  saved  me  from  a  complication 
that  was  intended  to  injure  me  with  my  employers,  with 
those  whose  respect  I  held  dear.  You  risked  much  to 
warn  me,  and  it  was  the  thought  of  this  that  renewed  my 
courage,  my  hope." 

"It  was  something  else — something  of  a  more  personal 
nature." 

Then  her  meaning  flashed  upon  him. 

"You  refer  to  Cousin  Cleo — ah !  what  you  said  cannot 


64  ON   THE   BORDERS   OF  PARADISE. 

be  true — her  regard  for  me  is  warm  and  cousinly,  as  mine 
is  for  her,  but  that  is  all." 

"And  if  it  were  true — if  she  did  love  you — devotedly 
with  all  her  heart  and  soul,  Senor  Roderic  ?" 

"It  would  make  no  difference.  I  should  deplore  such 
an  unfortunate  occurrence  deeply,  on  her  account,  for  she 
is  a  noble  woman  in  a  million.  But  it  would  be  utterly 
impossible  for  me  to  love  another  as  I  have  you,  Georgia." 

And  he  believed  what  he  said,  showing  that  he  was  sin- 
cere, at  any  rate. 

His  words  made  her  eyes  glisten  with  delight,  for  who 
does  not  yearn  to  hear  such  phrases  falling  from  the  lips 
of  an  adored  one. 

"You  solemnly  swear  that  is  true?"  she  asked,  willing 
to  believe,  yet  filled  with  womanly  doubts. 

"By  everything  sacred,  by  the  memory  of  that  happy 
past  which  my  wretched  jealousy  slaughtered,  by  the 
grave  of  my  revered  mother  I  swear  that  I  love  and  have 
loved  no  woman  on  earth  but  one,  and  she  is  before  me." 

"Then  you  shall  hear  the  condition  upon  which  you 
may  wipe  out  the  past — upon  which  I  shall  again  believe 
in  you  with  all  my  heart  and  soul,  and  forget  the  cruel 
wrong  you  did  me." 

"Name  it,  for  Heaven's  sake,  Georgia.  You  shall 
see  that  I  am  in  deadly  earnest — that  I  abhor  myself  for 
the  miserable  way  in  which  I  fled  from  happiness  and  you. 
Yes,  though  it  take  me  to  the  ends  of  the  world,  I  shall  go, 
proud  to  convince  you  that  as  once  before  I  am  above  all 
others  your  preux  chevalier.  What  would  you  have  me 
do — all  I  ask  is  that  it  may  not  be  to  the  prejudice  of  my 
beloved  country  for  which  I  have  sworn  to  stand  to  the 
death  against  all  her  foreign  foes." 

"Find  Leon  for  me !" 


ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE.  65 

It  was  a  marvelously  strange  request  and  quite  enough 
to  stagger  the  man  of  whom  the  imperious  demand  was 
made. 

"Find  Leon" — the  lover  must  set  out  on  a  quest  for  an- 
other man — who  was  Leon,  what  relation  did  he  bear  the 
belle  of  San  Juan,  and  where  had  he  become  lost  since  he 
needed  a  voyage  of  discovery  made  in  his  behalf — Jason, 
starting  with  his  bold  Argonauts  in  search  of  the  Golden 
Fleece  might  not  have  had  half  the  trouble  that  would 
come  of  looking  for  a  lost  man  in  the  world  wilderness  of 
to-day,  since  traveling  facilities  were  limited  in  those 
times,  whereas  one  may  now  readily  fling  thousands  of 
leagues  behind  him  in  a  fortnight. 

"Find  Leon — for  me !" 

Evidently  Leon  was  of  considerable  importance  to  the 
speaker — her  voice  seemed  to  dwell  upon  the  sound  with 
much  tenderness. 

But  Roderic  did  not  appear  to  be  amazed  on  account  of 
the  name — it  was  something  else  that  gave  him  cause  for 
astonishment. 

"Senorita,  I  declared  my  readiness  to  go  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth  to  serve  you,  but  now  you  ask  me  to  seek  the  shades 
beyond,  the  world  of  spirits.  How  then  could  I  claim  the 
reward  even  if  success  attended  my  endeavor?" 

"No,  no,  not  that — you  do  not  understand — it  is  Leon, 
my  brother  you  are  to  find,"  breathlessly. 

"Exactly,  and  as  he  is  dead  it  would  necessitate  my  be- 
coming a  disembodied  spirit — " 

"Ah !  yes,  but  he  is  not  dead." 

"Pardon,  you  told  me  so  many  times,  and  I  mourned 
with  you  on  account  of  your  loss." 

"It  was  all  a  terrible  mistake." 

"And  Leon  is  not  dead?" 


66  ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE. 

"At  least  he  was  alive  three  months  ago.  Oh !  you  do 
not  know,  you  cannot  understand  the  great  joy  with  which 
I  but  recently  learned  how  we  had  all  been  deceived." 

Her  face  glowed  with  enthusiasm. 

Every  atom  of  his  old  mad  idolatry  seemed  resurrected, 
and  Roderic  was  almost  ready  to  bend  down  in  order  to 
kiss  the  hem  of  her  garment,  he  felt  so  abased  on  account 
of  the  wrong  his  hasty  action  had  brought  upon  her. 

"Where  am  I  to  search?"  he  asked,  eagerly,  as  though 
ready  to  start  on  the  jump. 

"He  is  in  Porto  Rico." 

"Good.     That  is  where  I  am  going  to-morrow." 

"And  whither  we  also  expect  to  bring  up  as  soon  as 
steam  can  take  us." 

"Tell  me  what  you  know  of  him,  this  brother  who  was 
dead,  yet  lives.  How  shall  I  know  him  ?" 

"Ah !  you  would  recognize  him,  Senor  Roderic,  did  you 
but  meet  on  the  ocean  as  castaways,  or  in  the  midst  of  the 
Great  Sahara." 

"Then  he  looks  like  you?" 

"They  have  always  said  it." 

"That  is  enough — I  shall  remember  always." 

"And  you  undertake  the  mission?"  eagerly. 

His  eyes  met  her  glowing  orbs. 

"You  have  yourself  named  the  condition,  Georgia.  If 
I  find  this  brother  you  will  forgive  me  the  cruel  past — you 
promise  to  love  me  again  ?" 

"Ah,  senor,  I  have  never  been  able  to  crush  that  love 
from  my  heart — it  is  as  strong  there  to-day  as  when  we 
pledged  our  lives  to  happiness.  Stay,  do  not  misunder- 
stand me,"  as  he  made  a  movement  toward  her,  "until 
you  have  done  something  to  atone  for  your  desertion, 
Senor  Roderic,  we  may  not  resume  those  relations." 


ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE.  67 

"And  should  fate  baffle  my  search — should  Leon  be 
actually  dead,  do  I  lose  all,  sweetheart — will  you  throw 
my  love  away  like  an  old  glove?" 

"I  could  not,  for  your  love  is  life  to  me.  I  have  hoped 
through  these  gloomy  years,  hoped  you  might  learn  how 
cruel,  how  unjust  you  had  been,  and  return  to  me.  If 
you  search  with  all  your  heart,  that  will  answer  my  de- 
mands." 

"How  eagerly  I  shall  try  let  Heaven  be  my  witness. 
During  the  long  and  dreary  months  since  last  I  saw  you, 
dear  girl,  I  have  lived  ages.  Many  times  rebellion  arose 
within  my  heart,  fermented  by  the  love  that  lingered  there, 
and  could  only  be  put  down  with  an  iron  hand.  Now  I 
shall  hope  to  make  such  poor  amends  as  lie  in  my  power 
for  the  wretched  mistakes  of  that  dreadful  past.  But  tell 
what  you  know  of  Leon — why  has  he  been  dead  to  you  so 
long,  and  what  reason  have  you  to  believe  he  still  lives  and 
is  in  Porto  Rico  ?" 

"You  think  it  strange — it  is  right  to  look  at  it  in  that 
way.  I  myself  sometimes  doubt  whether  I  am  awake,  it 
all  seems  so  marvelous,  so  startling. 

"Leon  was  my  only  brother — I  have  told  you  before 
how  we  once  loved  each  other,  and  even  described  how  he 
was  drawn  to  join  the  brave  Cubans  under  Gomez  when 
they  rebelled  against  the  mother  country. 

"In  one  of  the  first  fights  that  occurred  Leon  was  taken 
prisoner,  and  carried  to  Havana  where  he  was  secretly 
confined  in  Morro  Castle. 

"Suddenly  we  heard  that  he  had  been  taken  out  under 
the  castle  walls  with  seven  other  wretched  patriots  and 
shot  to  death. 

"That  was  about  the  time  I  met  you,  senor,  and  my 
aching  heart  found  solace  in  your  devoted  love.  Then 


68  ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE. 

came  the  period  of  our  happiness  and  the  shock  of  your 
desertion. 

"Days,  months,  yes  years  have  since  passed.  Then,  as 
though  the  dark  clouds  would  roll  away  together,  I  again 
saw  your  blessed  face,  and  at  the  same  time  heard  a  won- 
derful story  that  Leon  was  alive — that  he  had  been  saved 
by  the  daughter  of  the  officer  in  command  of  Morro  Cas- 
tle, who  had  fallen  in  love  with  his  handsome  face." 

"That  is  not  so  wonderful,  senorita,  since  you  tell  me 
he  resembles  you." 

"Ah !  flatterer ;  but  you  shall  hear  all,  though  the  time  is 
not  appropriate.  Strange  things  happen  in  Havana — in 
all  Spanish  speaking  countries — romance  has  a  home 
there,  and  plays  a  part  you  colder  Anglo-Saxons  hardly 
understand." 

"You  forget  I  have  lived  there  myself — that  I  speak 
Spanish,  and  by  direct  association  discovered  the  good 
qualities  of  these  people  who  are  almost  enigmas  to  the 
common  run  of  Americans.  I  believe  in  giving  the  devil 
his  due.  Yes,  you  cannot  surprise  me  very  much.  I  too 
have  seen  many  remarkable  dramas  played  under  the 
crimson  and  gold  banner  of  Spain." 

"This  daughter  of  the  governor  saved  Leon.  She  bribed 
the  prison  doctor  who  pronounced  my  brother  dead  while 
in  reality  he  only  lay  in  a  stupor  caused  by  a  subtle  drug. 

"He  was  carried  from  the  prison  in  a  coffin  and  buried 
just  as  the  sun  went  down. 

"Then  darkness  came  as  the  grave  diggers  turned  back 
to  the  fort. 

"Hardly  were  they  out  of  sight  than  from  a  chapparal 
where  she  had  remained  hidden  sprang  the  governor's 
daughter,  may  the  saints  protect  her  as  an  angel  of  mercy. 

"At  her  side  was  a  faithful  negro,  and  while  the  fire- 


ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE.  69 

flies  spangled  the  darkness  around,  this  man  flung  back 
the  newly  set  earth. 

"When  Leon  had  been  snatched  from  the  rude  pine  box 
intended  for  his  coffin  this  was  again  buried  in  the  ground. 

"They  carried  the  boy  to  the  negro's  cabin  and  there  he 
was  tenderly  nursed  through  a  long  and  weary  sickness. 

"There  he  lay  while  I  mourned  as  only  a  loving,  stricken 
sister  could ;  for  we  believed  the  published  account  of  his 
death  before  the  guns  of  the  avenging  Spanish  execution- 
ers. 

"It  was  six  months  before  he  was  well,  and  during  that 
time  he  had  become  so  mixed  up  in  the  great  game  of  in- 
dependence that  he  dared  not  let  me  know  even  of  his  ex- 
istence— besides,  he  feared  lest  a  breath  of  suspicion 
should  be  cast  upon  the  girl  who  had  risked  all  this  for  his 
sake,  and  whom  he  loved  with  heart  and  soul. 

"Thus  time  passed  on  and  under  another  name  he 
fought  with  Gomez  and  Garcia — wherever  the  flag  of 
Cuba  waved  in  battle  he  was  there,  ready  to  lead  the 
charge  and  die  if  need  be  for  the  cause  in  which  he  had 
enlisted. 

"When  your  troops  were  first  put  ashore  near  Santiago 
and  attacked  by  the  Spaniards,  it  was  Leon,  now  a  captain 
in  the  Cuban  army,  who  saved  them  from  annihilation. 

"The  time  had  apparently  come  when  he  felt  at  liberty 
to  send  me  a  message,  and  this  he  did  through  one  of  the 
Americans.  It  is  too  long  a  story  to  tell  how  he  accom- 
plished it,  nor  does  it  matter. 

"He  also  sent  word,  believing  me  to  be  still  in  Porto 
Rico,  still  in  dear  old  San  Juan,  that  he  expected  to  be 
there  sometime  in  the  latter  part  of  July  or  early  in  Au- 
gust and  I  must  keep  on  the  lookout  for  him. 

"Between  us,  Senor  Roderic,  we  must  find  Leon!     If 


70  ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE. 

he  comes  to  me  I  shall  count  it  the  same  as  though  you 
had  won  your  case,  since  the  desire  to  do  this  service  for 
me  is  there." 

"Ah !  you  are  forgiving — you  are  an  angel,  dearest  girl. 
No  matter,  I  shall  never  excuse  myself  for  my  unfounded 
suspicions." 

"You  no  longer  believe  in  them  ?" 

"I  have  not  this  long  time  back.  Reason  was  fast  driv- 
ing me  to  again  visit  San  Juan  and  discover  how  deeply  I 
had  wronged  you." 

"Would  you  have  done  that?" 

"I  swear  that  such  a  thought,  amounting  almost  to  a 
resolution,  was  in  my  mind,  when  I  learned  fortune  was 
again  sending  me  to  San  Juan." 

She  showed  the  pleasure  that  was  rioting  in  her  heart 
— the  reconciliation  seemed  drawing  very  near. 

"And  you  leave — to-morrow,  senor?" 

"Yes,  the  sooner  I  get  away  from  Dublin  the  better  for 
all  purposes.  I  have  discovered  that  the  mission  of  those 
who  sought  aid  here  has  been  balked.  Just  now  the  sen- 
timent of  the  Irish  toward  England  seems  softened,  and 
it  looks  as  though  by  means  of  kindness  and  justice,  the 
•wrongs  of  the  past  may  be  washed  out.  We  who  love  the 
best  interests  of  this  green  isle  hope  for  great  things." 

"You  go  to  New  York,  that  great  city  of  which  you  so 
often  spoke,  but  which  I  have  never  yet  seen?" 

"No,  direct  to  Porto  Rico." 

"Indeed.  I  did  not  know  there  were  any  regular  ves- 
sels going  to  Spanish  ports  in  the  West  Indies." 

"This  is  a  special  trip." 

"Ah !  I  begin  to  see.  We  too,  leave  to-morrow.  Can  it 
be  possible  you  have  taken  passage  on  the  same  boat,  the 
Sterling  Castle,  a  fleet  blockade  runner?" 


ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE.  7 1 

Eagerness  was  written  on  her  lovely  face. 

Roderic  could  almost  wish  he  had  been  lucky  enough  to 
have  done  so,  believing  that  it  must  have  proven  a  happy 
voyage  for  them. 

He  failed  to  take  into  account  the  elements  that  would 
naturally  be  in  charge  of  such  a  vessel,  and  the  strong 
probability  that  his  form  must  grace  a  yard  arm  as  an 
American  spy,  ere  the  voyage  had  been  half  completed. 

"I  am  sorry  to  say  that  opportunity  is  denied  me.  My 
cousin  owns  a  steam  yacht,  which  she  has  loaded  with 
stores  and  medicines  to  be  taken  to  Porto  Rico,  which  is- 
land she  believes  has  been  quite  forgotten  by  Miss  Bar- 
ton and  her  Red  Cross  movement.  I  shall  be  a  passen- 
ger on  board,  and  be  secretly  put  ashore  to  fulfill  my 
work." 

A  sudden  change  came  over  the  girl's  face — there  was 
a  drop  of  fifty  degrees  in  temperature.  A  smiling  sum- 
mer sky  had  been  blotted  out  by  a  rude  wintry  blizzard — 
the  smile  gave  way  to  a  look  of  pain,  almost  a  frown. 
These  passion  flowers  of  the  south  know  little  of  the  art 
that  consists  in  concealing  the  emotions — honest  love  or 
hate  flashes  quickly  upon  the  countenance,  for  they  brook 
no  rivals. 

"Your  cousin— Miss  Fairfax  of  Virginia,  the  daughter 
of  a  fortune,  who  is  ready  to  cast  all  she  owns  at  your 
feet — and  you  are  to  sail  with  her — you  will  be  in  her 
company  ten  days,  two  weeks  perhaps.  Santa  Maria! 
then  you  will  forget  me,  forget  everything  but  her  blue 
eyes  that  look  like  the  Porto  Rico  skies  at  sunset." 

It  was  almost  a  piteous  wail  to  which  she  gave  vent,  and 
Roderic,  his  heart  touched,  realizing  that  the  chance  for 
which  he  yearned  had  come,  sprang  forward  and  threw  an 
arm  around  the  girl. 


72  ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE. 

She  had  repulsed  him  before,  but  with  a  fierce  jealousy 
raging  in  her  heart  she  was  no  longer  capable  of  such 
heroics. 

So  she  yielded  herself  a  willing  captive  to  his  embraces 
— her  heart  had  ever  been  true,  why  should  she  not  enjoy 
a  fleeting  spell  of  bliss  ? 

Looking  down  into  her  confused  face  upon  which  his 
kisses  were  yet  warm,  he  said,  with  a  quiet  assurance 
that  did  much  to  convince  her : 

"Sweetheart,  I  have  known  Cleo  all  my  life.  I  love  her 
as  a  sister,  for  she  is  a  noble  woman;  but  I  never  have 
given  and  never  could  give  her  an  iota  of  the  idolatrous 
passion  that  has  filled  my  heart  for  you.  You  have  be- 
lieved me  before — trust  me  now.  I  live  only  in  the  hope 
of  wiping  out  my  shameful  action  of  the  past,  and  of  win- 
ning you  for  my  own.  Are  you  satisfied  ?" 

"But  she  cares  for  you,  Roderic ;  your  fair  cousin !" 

"You  declare  so — I  can  hardly  believe  it." 

"But  I  know  it — she  would  make  a  far  better  wife  for 
you  than  might  a  poor  daughter  of  Porto  Rico,"  weakly, 
almost  piteously. 

"I  am  the  judge  of  that,  and  I  would  snatch  you  to  my 
heart  against  all  the  world." 

"She  has  great  wealth,"  watching  him  yearningly. 

"I  love  only  you,  my  darling." 

"She  is  cultivated,  refined,  as  you  say  a  noble  woman, 
while  I  am  poor,  with  only  my  face  and  a  worshiping 
heart  to  bring  you." 

"But  I  adore  you — life  without  you  would  be  a  dreary 
waste,"  he  steadfastly  declared. 

His  simple  argument  convinced  even  the  little  skeptic. 

"Then  God's  will  be  done — I  am  yours  again  when  you 
have  fulfilled  your  penance,  Senor  Roderic." 


ON  THE  BORDERS  OF  PARADISE.  73 

Just  as  he  was  about  to  ratify  the  treaty  with  a  lover's 
kiss  there  was  a  tremendous  bellow,  as  if  some  mad  bull 
had  broken  loose  from  confinement,  and  into  the  half 
darkened  apartment  came  the  tall  figure  of  General  Por- 
fidio,  her  guardian. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW. 

SURROUNDED  by  a  thousand  mementoes  of  India  as  he 
was,  in  this  quaint  bungalow  on  the  Rathmines  road, 
Roderic  Owen  might  well  have  been  pardoned  had  he  al- 
lowed imagination  to  have  full  sway,  and  looked  for  some 
offended  satellite  of  great  Buddha  to  appear  with  the  ad- 
vent of  that  bull-like  roar. 

But  it  chanced  that  he  knew  the  sound  of  old,  since  the 
general  and  himself  had  many  times  enjoyed  each  other's 
society  in  San  Juan  when  Cupid  ruled  the  camp. 

He  was  not  particularly  anxious  to  meet  the  Porto 
Rican  officer  just  yet,  but  being  a  man  who  never  showed 
the  white  feather  when  face  to  face  with  trouble,  he 
wheeled  to  confront  the  hurricane  just  entering. 

General  Porfidio  was  a  big  man,  and  having  a  bushy 
head  of  white  hair  his  appearance  was  unusually  fero- 
cious, nor  did  his  fierce  military  mustache  and  his  shaggy 
eyebrows  serve  to  temper  the  naturally  bellicose  looks 
which  a  provident  Nature  had  bestowed  upon  him. 

The  roar  with  which  he  usually  spoke  accorded  well 
with  his  whole  disposition. 

And  yet  Roderic  had  seen  this  terrible  man  of  war  be- 
come as  meek  as  a  little  lamb  under  the  thumb  of  a  pretty 
girl's  hand — Georgia  knew  how  to  pull  his  heart  strings 
and  bring  him  to  his  knees. 

He  evidently  entered  the  room  in  a  tremendous  whirl 
of  excitement. 

"For  Dios!  so,  I  have  discovered  the  villain.     Roblado 

74 


THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW.    75 

swore  he  saw  him  enter  here,  and  ran  to  inform  me  three 
blocks  away.  I  have  galloped  every  foot  of  the  distance, 
and  with  each  yard  I  swore  a  fearful  oath  to  have  his  life, 
that  of  the  spy  who  seeks  to  ruin  me  in  my  own  house. 
You  hear,  sir — I  have  come  to  rid  the  world  of  a  viper. 
And  yet,  I  would  not  have  it  said  that  Porfidio  de  Brabant, 
with  the  blood  of  cavaliers  in  his  veins,  descended  so  low 
as  to  strike  an  unarmed  man.  Turn  about,  Yankee,  and 
you  will  see  many  swords  upon  the  wall  behind  you.  The 
light  still  remains  good  enough  to  allow  us  a  few  minutes 
grace.  It  is  all  I  want — I  have  not  learned  my  lesson 
for  nothing.  What !  do  you  then  refuse  to  defend  your- 
self— then  by  Our  Lady  I  shall  be  obliged  to  spur  you  on 
with  the  flat  of  my  good  blade,  until  I  can  beat  some  little 
courage  into  your  shrinking  soul." 

He  made  an  aggressive  movement,  as  if  about  to  in- 
stantly carry  his  plan  into  action. 

This  was  more  than  Roderic  could  stand. 

He  was  a  fighter  by  nature,  and  no  man  ever  had  to 
shake  a  red  flag  in  front  of  his  eyes  in  order  to  arouse  his 
ambition. 

Even  in  the  present  instance,  though  he  had  no  desire 
to  meet  the  general  in  an  affair  of  honor,  the  awful  threat 
made  by  the  Porto  Rican  was  too  much  for  his  Irish  blood. 

Consequently  he  turned  to  the  wall,  remembering  that 
his  eye  had  been  involuntarily  attracted  toward  a  particu- 
larly inviting  looking  slender  Hindoo  sword  made  of  the 
finest  steel  in  the  world,  tempered  in  Damascus,  where 
the  art  has  been  guarded  as  a  secret,  lo,  these  hundreds  of 
years,  since  the  turbulent  time  of  Saracens  and  Crusaders 
in  fact. 

Quickly  Roderic  snatched  this  blade  from  the  wall. 

It  felt  like  a  reliable  weapon,  and  he  no  sooner  clasped 


76   THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW. 

his  eager  fingers  about  the  hilt  than  he  knew  he  could  de- 
pend upon  it  to  the  death. 

Having  thus  armed  himself  he  whirled  about,  for  the 
dire  threat  of  the  old  soldier  still  stung  his  ears,  and  he 
was  mortally  afraid  the  other  might  in  his  anger  carry  it 
out. 

To  a  proud  man  like  Owen,  such  an  indignity  would  be 
worse  than  the  danger  of  meeting  an  attack — and  espe- 
cially in  her  presence. 

Thus,  when  able  to  flash  the  jewel  hilted  East  Indian 
blade  around  so  as  to  cover  any  possible  attack  from  the 
old  martinet,  Roderic  gave  vent  to  an  exclamation  of  sat- 
isfaction. 

At  home  with  a  sword,  he  felt  able  to  render  a  good 
account  of  his  stewardship,  since  he  had  long  taken  a  pe- 
culiar pride  in  learning  the  ways  in  which  various  nations 
handle  the  weapon — a  grizzled  old  Turk  had  given  him 
points  in  Constantinople — from  an  Algerian  desert  rover 
he  had  learned  how  they  fought  with  the  steel  when  rob- 
bers attacked  the  caravans — an  expert  Hindoo  juggler 
who  could  place  an  apple  on  a  man's  cranium  and  with  a 
fierce  downward  stroke  sever  it  completely  without  harm- 
ing a  hair  of  the  other's  head  had  taken  pleasure  in  teach- 
ing him  a  few  tricks,  while  American  cavalrymen  had 
made  him  an  adept  with  the  sabre,  and  a  French  fencing 
master  exhausted  his  repertoire  in  endeavoring  to  beat 
down  his  defense. 

Taken  in  all,  young  Owen  had  no  reason  to  fear  any 
harm  when  thus  given  a  blade  with  which  to  defend  him- 
self. 

Nor  did  he  mean  to  demolish  the  old  veteran,  with 
whom  he  had  many  times  smoked  the  pipe  of  peace  and 
good  fellowship,  exchanging  stories  of  world  wide  ex- 
periences. 


THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW.    77 

All  he  desired  was  a  chance  to  defend  himself  against 
furious  attacks. 

Evidently  Don  Porfidio  had  not  as  yet  recognized  the 
man  in  the  parlor  of  his  bungalow. 

For  this  the  growing  shadows  of  coming  dusk,  together 
with  the  fury  that  made  his  eyes  dance  in  their  sockets 
might  be  held  accountable,  rather  than  any  infirmities  of 
coming  age. 

When  the  old  fire-eater  comprehended  what  the  other's 
action  really  meant  he  gave  utterance  to  a  snort  of  satis- 
faction. 

Nothing  could  please  him  better  than  a  chance  to  air 
his  masterly  ability  with  the  trenchant  blade  he  had  so 
proudly  carried  at  his  side — opportunities  for  so  doing 
had  of  late  been  too  few  and  far  between  to  fully  satisfy 
the  vainglorious  ambition  of  the  soldier. 

He  had  actually  seen  much  stirring  work  in  the  mili- 
tary service  of  Spain,  and  was  seasoned  by  a  long  and 
hazardous  career. 

"Carramba!"  he  cried,  "have  we  then  at  last  one  fellow 
who  shirks  not  the  fray?  Here's  to  your  lung  and  an 
easier  way  of  taking  breath." 

But  somewhat  to  his  surprise  the  unknown  parried  his 
quivering  stroke  with  the  utmost  ease,  and  still  stood  there 
on  guard. 

Then  the  old  soldier  waxed  wroth. 

He  had  been  stunned  at  first,  when  his  blade  was  so  con- 
temptuously turned  aside,  for  this  action  was  not  accord- 
ing to  the  usual  way  Dame  Fortune  served  such  a  son 
of  Mars. 

Of  course  he  gave  utterance  to  a  Spanish  execration, 
such  as  falls  so  readily  from  the  lips  of  these  excitable 
people. 


78    THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW. 

Then  he  hastily  examined  his  sword,  which  was  found 
to  be  in  quite  as  good  condition  as  before,  proving  that 
the  fault  did  not  lie  in  that  quarter  at  least. 

Having  awakened  to  the  knowledge  that  he  had  a  job 
cut  out  before  him  that  would  require  his  utmost  endeav- 
ors, Don  Porfidio  braced  his  bulky  frame  for  a  prodigious 
effort. 

As  the  two  antagonists  stood  there  facing  one  another, 
like  a  pair  of  Roman  gladiators  about  to  do  battle  royal 
the  girl  suddenly  darted  between. 

"You  must  not,  shall  not  fight!"  she  exclaimed. 

The  general  let  out  a  roar. 

"Stand  back,  on  your  life,  rash  girl.  This  is  a  business 
in  which  I  will  brook  no  interference." 

"But  uncle,  dear  uncle,  you  do  not  know " 

"I  know  all  I  desire,  and  I  shall  make  it  my  solemn 
duty  to  teach  this  rascal  a  lesson  he  will  never  forget. 
Therefore  I  command  you,  Georgia,  to  leave  the  room!" 

"No,  no,  it  would  be  a  crime,"  she  continued,  endeav- 
oring to  cling  to  his  sword  arm. 

But  the  testy  old  don's  fighting  blood  was  up,  and  in 
such  a  condition  he  would  stand  no  interference  even 
from  one  whom  he  loved  so  dearly. 

So  with  his  left  arm  he  swept  the  frail  figure  of  the 
San  Juan  belle  aside,  and  at  the  same  time  thrust  out  with 
his  sword. 

The  weapon  met  that  of  Roderic  eagerly  advanced  to 
receive  the  thrust,  and  immediately  there  followed  a  clash- 
ing and  rasping  as  steel  continued  to  smite  its  like. 

Georgia,  finding  her  efforts  to  keep  the  two  men  apart 
futile,  fell  back  in  dismay  from  the  flash  of  the  writhing 
swords. 

The  spectacle  appeared  to  fascinate  her  for  a  brief  time. 


THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW.    79 

so  that  with  clasped  hands  she  stood  and  gazed,  her  breath 
coming  in  gasps,  and  with  each  breath  a  fervent  prayer 
that  the  Holy  Virgin  would  intervene  to  prevent  these 
two  men,  each  of  whom  was  so  dear  to  her,  from  shed- 
ding one  another's  blood. 

Then  of  a  sudden  she  uttered  a  bubbling  cry — it  was 
not  because  one  or  the  other  had  gained  the  least  advan- 
tage, for  they  were  still  at  it,  hammer  and  tongs,  the  giant 
man  of  war  trying  all  his  tricks  and  clever  thrusts 
with  disheartening  results — a  bright  thought  had  flashed 
into  the  girl's  bewildered  brain. 

Since  Don  Porfidio  refused  to  hearken  when  she  at- 
tempted to  explain  matters,  perhaps  the  same  hoped-for 
cessation  of  active  hostilities  might  be  attained  through 
another  means. 

"A  light — let  me  find  a  lamp — please  Heaven  it  may 
not  be  too  late,  and  these  hot  heads  slaughter  each  other 
while  I  am  gone,"  was  what  she  cried. 

No  one  noticed  her  disappearance  through  the  door 
where  hung  the  Bagdad  curtains,  for  both  of  the  gentle- 
men had  their  attention  fully  occupied  in  another  quarter. 

When  a  ferocious  old  military  hero  with  all  his  long 
pent-up  love  for  bloody  scenes  bursting  forth  is  diligently 
thrusting  right  and  left  with  a  keen  pointed  sword,  his 
eagerness  increasing  with  each  and  every  defeat  of  his 
plans,  there  is  little  chance  to  observe  what  may  be  pass- 
ing even  in  the  confines  of  the  same  apartment. 

That  was  Roderic's  condition. 

True,  he  considered  himself  in  no  actual  danger,  unless 
from  an  accidental  thrust,  but  all  the  same  the  valorous 
old  don  was  sending  them  in  at  white  heat,  and  as  the 
gloaming  made  it  difficult  to  see  with  exactness,  there 
was  need  of  great  caution. 


8o    THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW. 

The  sparks  flew  whenever  the  hostile  blades  struck 
violently  together,  and  taken  altogether  it  was  about  as 
pretty  and  interesting  a  picture  as  one  would  wish  to  see. 

When  he  found  his  favorite  blows  turned  aside  with  so 
masterly  a  hand,  the  general's  rage  began  to  partially  give 
way  to  admiration,  for  he  was  an  ardent  lover  of  fine 
sword  play  no  matter  where  found,  in  Arab,  Moor  or 
Cossack. 

He  still  continued  to  bellow,  for  it  was  a  part  of  his 
nature  to  do  so,  but  mingled  with  his  furious  phrases 
were  cries  that  betokened  amazement,  delight,  suspicion. 

Perhaps  he  recognized  something  familiar  about  the 
method  employed  by  his  antagonist  in  defending  himself. 

Swordsmen  have  their  peculiar  tactics  or  individuali- 
ties, that  crop  out  strongly,  and  doubtless  in  the  good  old 
days  when  Senor  Owen  was  a  welcome  visitor  at  the 
hacienda  of  Don  Porfidio  the  two  may  have  crossed  blades 
occasionally,  if  only  to  illustrate  some  point  in  a  story. 

In  due  time  the  Porto  Rican  must  have  puzzled  out 
the  solution  of  the  mystery. 

He  was  not  given  time  just  now. 

Roderic,  finding  that  the  other  was  making  a  most  wicked 
series  of  lunges  at  his  heart,  and  fearful  lest  some  acci- 
dent might  occur  that  would  place  him  at  the  mercy  of 
Don  Porfidio,  concluded  to  wind  up  the  matter  in  a  man- 
ner that  was  more  to  his  liking. 

So  he  let  loose  a  few  cards  which  he  had,  figuratively 
speaking,  been  holding  up  his  sleeve — in  other  words  he 
let  out  an  extra  supply  of  ability  and  forced  the  fighting. 

It  was  all  up  with  the  general. 

He  knew  full  well  he  was  in  the  hands  of  a  master,  and 
that  while  the  duel  was  fated  to  be  cut  as  short  as  he 
wished,  the  outcome  might  hardly  be  to  his  liking. 


THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW.    8 1 

The  old  don  had  been  over  confident,  and  he  now  fell 
into  something  like  a  panic. 

True,  he  battled  on  with  just  as  much  vim  as  before, 
but  desperation  nerved  his  arm  rather  than  the  old  time 
enthusiasm. 

When  Roderic  discovered  his  chance  he  whipped  the 
other's  supple  blade  out  of  his  nerveless  hand  with  con- 
summate ease. 

Don  Porfidio  uttered  a  cry  of  rage  and  stupefaction. 

"Carramba!  you  have  done  it — now  take  your  revenge, 
Senor  Spy !"  he  ejaculated,  despairingly. 

He  folded  his  arms  across  his  quivering  chest  and  faced 
what  he  supposed  would  be  immediate  death  without 
flinching. 

Roderic  drew  back  his  sword,  but  the  old  warrior  made 
no  appeal  for  mercy. 

A  Spaniard  may  appear  cruel  according  to  Anglo- 
Saxon  ways  of  looking  at  things,  but  no  race  of  men  has 
shown  more  splendid  courage  in  battle  or  upon  the  terrible 
unknown  seas  of  the  fifteenth  century. 

Roderic  turning  hung  his  East  Indian  blade  once  more 
upon  the  wall,  doubtless  to  the  sore  amazement  of  the  sol- 
dier. 

It  was  at  this  juncture  Georgia  came  hastily  into  the 
room  bearing  an  antique  lamp  which  her  trembling  fingers 
had  succeeded  in  lighting. 

Upon  her  face  was  an  anxious,  almost  terrified  expres- 
sion, as  though  she  half  expected  to  find  one  or  both  of 
the  men  lying  there  in  their  blood. 

To  see  them  standing  there  unarmed  was  a  joyous 
revelation. 

As  for  the  old  soldier,  the  truth  flashed  upon  him  with 
a  shock,  when  his  eyes  beheld  a  face  he  long  had  known. 


82    THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW. 

"Holy  Father,  is  it  you  Senor  Owen  ?  Dolt,  idiot  that 
I  was  not  to  recognize  the  familiar  swing  of  your  cun- 
ning sword  arm.  I  am  pleased  to  meet  you  again — as, 
I  am  furiously  angry  because  all  these  months  you  have 
neglected  this  sweet  flower,  and  caused  her  much  suffer- 
ing." 

Thus  he  rambled  on,  halting  between  his  natural  af- 
fection for  the  young  American,  yet  holding  back  on  ac- 
count of  race  enmity,  since  Spanish  and  American  arms 
now  clashed. 

Roderic  knew  he  had  a  difficult  piece  of  work  cut  out 
for  him. 

It  had  been  child's  play  to  disarm  the  old  gentleman, 
but  to  avoid  an^  open  rupture  must  tax  his  ingenuity. 

Perhaps,  with  the  help  of  the  girl  it  might  be  made 
possible. 

At  any  rate  he  was  bound  to  try  for  the  sake  of  peace 
in  the  family. 

"General,  that  I  have  lost  the  sweet  friendship,  and 
society  of  your  niece  and  ward  during  all  these  months 
is  my  misfortune.  She  has,  like  an  angel  of  light,  for- 
given me.  It  was  all  a  terrible  mistake,  caused  by  jeal- 
ousy on  my  part. 

"You  as  a  man  who  has  seen  the  world  in  all  its  phases 
can  understand  my  position.  I  am  humiliated  in  her 
presence.  We  expect  to  forget  all  that  is  bitter  in  the 
past,  and  start  afresh,  for  no  other  has  held  the  cords  to 
my  heart  save  Georgia — though  I  believed  her  lost  to  me 
forever,  I  have  been  always  faithful  to  our  love. 

"General,  our  countries  are  at  war,  but  that  does  not 
make  us  enemies.  I  would  esteem  It  an  honor  to  shake 
your  hand  again  and  hear  you  say  you  do  not  bear  me 
malice  where  she  has  forgiven." 


THE  SWORD  DUEL  IN  THE  EAST  INDIAN  BUNGALOW.    83 

The  veteran  was  touched. 

He  was  human,  and  it  flattered  him  to  think  that  this 
young  American,  who  had  just  disarmed  him  with  such 
ease,  should  still  yearn  for  his  friendly  interest. 

Don  Porfidio  was  genial  despite  his  exceeding  gruff 
ways. 

"Cospita,  hombre,  you  speak  fairly.  If  the  chit  of  a 
girl  has  forgiven  what  right  have  I  to  hold  out,  though 
truth  to  tell  I  have  made  many  a  vow  to  the  Virgin  to 
flay  your  back  when  next  we  met,  on  account  of  your 
wretched  flight.  Since  you  ask  it  so  sincerely,  and  there 
was  always  a  warm  corner  of  my  tough  old  heart  for  you 
Senor  Roderic,  I  see  no  reason  why  we  should  not  shake 
hands  and  resume  our  former  friendship." 

This  pleased  Owen,  who  was  just  in  the  act  of  putting 
out  his  hand  when  a  rough  voice  outside  was  heard  call- 
ing: 

"Senor  de  Brabant,  have  you  slain  the  pig  of  a  Yankee 
spy — is  it  safe  to  enter?" 

At  which  Don  Porfidio  uttered  a  choking  exclamation 
and  letting  his  hand  drop  to  his  side  stared  at  the  face 
of  the  young  American  as  though  the  truth  had  flashed 
through  his  brain  like  an  electric  bolt. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
"ADIOS,  BELOVED!" 

THE  old  Porto  Rican  dignitary  quickly  recovered  his 
speech — indeed,  it  was  seldom  he  could  be  found  in  a 
position  where  his  vocal  organs  suffered  a  relapse,  since 
it  was  almost  as  natural  for  Don  Porfidio  to  fume  and 
roar  as  it  was  to  draw  breath. 

Suspicion,  which  had  lain  dormant  in  his  breast  during 
the  last  few  minutes,  on  account  of  his  surprise  at  dis- 
covering the  identity  of  his  opponent  in  the  sword  duel, 
now  once  more  leaped  into  a  fierce  flame. 

He  remembered  why  he  had  rushed  to  his  bungalow 
quarters  with  such  hot  speed. 

"The  spy,  yes,  the  Yankee  spy.  For  Dios!  I  had  almost 
forgotten  him.  He  entered  here — Roblado  swore  it  on 
his  honor.  I  have  never  as  yet  seen  the  rascal  and  I 
jumped  to  the  conclusion  that  you  were  he.  Was  it  all 
a  mistake,  Senor  Owen — will  you  tell  me  you  are  not  the 
party  Roblado  saw — the  party  he  has  sworn  to  tear  limb 
from  limb?  I  await  your  answer,  senor,  and  give  you  my 
word  of  honor  I  shall  believe  what  you  say,"  he  said,  anx- 
iously, eagerly. 

Roderic  smiled. 

It  was  not  because  he  lacked  in  respect  for  the  doughty 
general,  who  had  backed  up  his  hot  words  with  his  sword 
as  a  brave  man  should. 

The  reference  to  Roblado  amused  Owen. 

He  pictured  that  fire-eater  who  was  yearning  to  spill 

84 


"ADIOS,  BELOVED!"  85 

his  blood,  waiting  outside  the  door  of  the  house,  where 
the  click  of  the  swords  came  as  sweet  music  to  his  ear, 
waiting  until  these  sounds  were  heard  no  longer,  when  in 
a  mixture  of  hope  and  fear  he  called  out: 

"Senor  de  Brabant,  have  you  slain  the  pig  of  a  Yankee 
spy — is  it  safe  to  enter?" 

Of  a  truth  Roblado's  heart  was  as  stout  as  that  of  the 
timid  lamb  gamboling  on  the  green,  and  when  he  roared 
it  was  as  fiercely  as  a  sucking  dove. 

Roderic  was  ever  frank — it  is  a  policy  that  pays  best  in 
the  end. 

"I  do  not  claim  the  name  of  a  spy,  senor,  but  it  would 
be  foolish  of  me  to  deny  that  I  am  in  the  secret  diplomatic 
service  of  my  country — that  my  presence  here  has  been  to 
discover  why  Spanish  agents  congregate  in  Dublin.  As 
to  why  I  am  under  your  roof,  it  is  a  purely  personal  mat- 
ter that  drew  me.  I  chanced  to  be  passing  and  saw  your 
niece  at  the  window.  Resolved  to  make  my  peace  with 
her  I  boldly  demanded  admittance,  and  she  has  been 
angel  enough  to  forgive.  Senor,  that  is  all — you  believe 
me?" 

Roderic  was  a  man  whose  very  face  was  a  passport 
among  his  fellows. 

What  he  said  usually  carried  weight. 

Of  old  he  had  exerted  great  influence  over  the  don, 
who  had  almost  loved  him  as  his  own  at  the  time  jealousy 
broke  up  the  combination. 

This  feeling  was  once  more  sweeping  over  the  general 
— there  is  a  fascination  about  some  men  that  is  very  hard 
to  resist. 

Possibly  he  might  have  again  thrust  out  his  hand  de- 
spite Roblado  and  his  hatred  for  Yankees  in  general. 

Other  voices  were  heard  outside — Roblado  was  en- 


86  "ADIOS,  BELOVED!" 

deavoring  to  explain  to  the  new  arrivals  who  had  just 
appeared  upon  the  scene. 

Perhaps,  not  having  received  any  answer  to  his  fren- 
zied calls  to  the  general,  he  jumped  to  the  conclusion  that 
the  boot  was  on  the  other  leg,  and  the  veteran  had  re- 
ceived his  quietus  at  the  hands  of  the  miserable  American 
"pig-" 

In  numbers  there  is  courage  and  strength. 

Even  Roblado  could  be  valorous  when  backed  up  by 
half  a  dozen  comrades. 

The  cramp  in  his  abdomen,  which  had  necessarily  pre- 
vented him  from  rushing  in  and  annihilating  the  Yankee, 
now  left  him  as  if  by  magic,  and  when  the  group  of  con~ 
spirators  crushed  through  the  doorway  Roblado  led  the 
van. 

Such  valor!  no  wonder  Spain  has  in  ages  past  swept 
like  a  whirlwind  over  the  known  world — it  was  certainly 
worthy  of  the  Dark  Ages. 

Roderic  was  taken  at  a  disadvantage,  for  he  had  not 
expected  such  hostile  measures. 

He  thought  to  again  snatch  the  sword  that  had  already 
served  him  so  well,  but  ere  this  could  be  done  one  of  the 
new  comers  had  hurled  his  weight  upon  him. 

Had  these  two  been  let  alone,  Owen  would  surely  have 
done  the  other  injury  in  short  order,  for  his  trained 
muscles  were  aching  for  active  service,  and  the  Spaniard 
was  really  no  match  for  him. 

This  style  of  carrying  on  the  affair  did  not  seem  to 
suit  the  others,  however. 

What  was  the  use  of  having  an  advantage  if  it  were 
not  enforced? 

Such  logic  carried  the  day,  and  when  Roderic  found 
the  half  dozen  hanging  upon  him  from  all  quarters  he 


"ADIOS,  BELOVED!"  87 

ceased  struggling,  knowing  the  folly  of  such  a  useless 
endeavor  to  win  out. 

It  was  a  great  victory. 

His  captors  surrounded  him,  every  man  holding  on  to 
some  part  of  his  apparel. 

Their  swarthy  faces  beamed  with  pleasure,  as  though 
this  might  be  taken  as  a  forerunner  of  the  great  triumph 
reserved  for  their  nation  when  the  somnolence  of  many 
years  had  been  thrown  aside. 

Roblado  was  in  his  element. 

He  had  a  military  or  naval  cut  about  his  appearance, 
and  no  doubt  could  swell  with  importance  when  on  the 
deck  of  his  ship  or  at  the  head  of  his  brigade. 

"Tis  well,  comrades,  we  have  secured  the  beast.  What 
can  prevail  against  Spanish  valor?  Those  who  are  fool- 
ish enough  to  get  in  our  way  must  pay  the  penalty,  poor 
fools.  Now  that  we  have  caught  the  great  American 
eagle  what  shall  we  do  with  him?"  he  asked,  still  main- 
taining a  consequential  grip  upon  Roderic's  coat  tails. 

"Clip  his  wings!"  said  one  in  Castilian. 

Various  other  suggestions  were  offered,  some  amus- 
ing, others  diabolical  in  their  cruelty. 

Roderic  laughed  good  naturedly. 

"Ah!  gentlemen  all,"  he  remarked  in  that  calm  and 
pleasant  way  that  indicates  perfect  control  over  the  emo- 
tions, "you  seem  to  forget  you  are  not  in  Spain  or  Cuba, 
where  such  delightful  little  picnic  parties  as  you  men- 
tion are  of  daily  occurrence.  You  are  in  the  dominion 
of  Her  Majesty  Queen  Victoria — her  officers  are  watch- 
ing every  move  you  make,  and  at  this  moment  the  shadow 
of  Portland  prison  hangs  over  you,  every  man. 

"Don't  imagine  for  a  moment  my  presence  is  not  known 
to  these  men  from  Scotland  Yard,  for  we  are  working 


88  "ADIOS,  BELOVED!" 

hand  in  glove.  I  am  in  your  power,  and  you  may  do  as 
you  please,  but  mark  me,  if  a  hair  of  my  head  is  injured 
every  man  here  will  be  in  irons  before  two  hours  have 
passed.  That  is  all !" 

It  was  enough. 

The  Jack  Spaniards  were  shaky  at  the  knees. 

Their  respect  for  grim  English  laws  and  customs  was 
bred  in  the  bone — since  the  days  when  the  Great  Armada 
was  destroyed  by  Providence  and  British  valor,  these 
people  of  the  Iberian  peninsula  have  seldom  desired 
to  pick  a  quarrel  with  Albion. 

So,  upon  hearing  what  Owen  had  to  say,  they  looked 
at  each  other  fearfully  and  then  eyed  the  doors  and  win- 
dows as  though  half  expecting  to  see  the  officers  represent- 
ing good  old  English  law  bursting  upon  the  scene. 

Naturally  a  cock  fights  best  upon  his  own  ground,  and 
this  is  particularly  true  of  Spaniards  as  a  people. 

Handicapped  by  their  presence  under  a  flag  that  was 
known  to  be  more  friendly  toward  the  Americans  than 
any  other  among  the  Powers,  they  found  their  claws 
cut. 

A  hasty  council  of  war  was  entered  into. 

Self  preservation  is  the  first  law  of  nature,  and  they 
were  clamorous  as  to  the  means  to  be  employed  that 
would  best  insure  his  safety. 

No  matter  how  wretched  the  cur,  he  has  the  same  in- 
herent love  of  life  that  nature  gives  to  the  finest  created 
creature. 

Several  times  Don  Porfidio  attempted  to  take  the  reins 
and  drive,  but  a  spirit  of  communism  was  rampant,  and 
the  others  would  yield  to  no  dictation. 

At  other  times  perhaps  they  would  give  ready  heed  to 
all  he  had  to  say,  since_  he  occupied  a  high  position  in 


"ADIOS,  BELOVED!"  89 

the  councils  of  Spain ;  but  just  now  all  were  on  a  common 
level  and  it  was  a  case  of  life  and  death  they  had  to  settle. 
At  length  it  was  decided. 

Senor  Owen  should  not  be  put  to  death,  but  held  a 
prisoner  until  they  could  hastily  leave  Dublin  bay  on 
board  the  blockade  runner  as  per  their  previous  arrange- 
ment. 

It  was  only  hastening  plans  that  had  already  been  well 
arranged. 

The  young  girl  stood  there  an  anxious  spectator,  while 
her  lover's  fate  was  being  decided,  and  when  the  final 
ultimatum  had  been  rendered  she  gave  him  a  pleased 
smile  of  encouragement. 

Roderic,  wise  man,  had  made  up  his  mind  not  to  re- 
sist the  decree  of  fate,  especially  since  it  appeared  that  he 
would  only  be  put  to  a  little  inconvenience  and  encounter 
small  danger. 

He  had  no  desire  to  provoke  the  anger  of  these  men 
further  than  was  necessary — there  would  come  a  time 
when  he  might  meet  them  face  to  face  on  equal  terms, 
with  weapons  in  his  hands,  and  until  that  hour  it  was 
policy  for  him  to  laugh  and  let  them  have  their  sweet 
way. 

A  long  lane  it  is  that  has  no  turning. 

His  time  would  come  sooner  or  later. 

Then  the  blustering  Roblado  might  be  made  to  sing 
more  softly,  and  those  who  handled  him  so  roughly  be 
compelled  to  take  a  turn  themselves. 

Surrounded  by  the  voluble  and  excited  group,  the 
American  was  led  down  into  the  cellar  of  the  unique 
bungalow  on  the  Rathmines  road. 

Here  they  left  him,  with  fervent  hopes,  openly  ex- 
pressed that  the  rats  would  feed  upon  his  wretched  por- 


po 

cine  carcass,  and  never  allow  him  to  again  see  the  light 
of  day. 

Owen  was  not  in  despair. 

On  the  contrary  it  is  doubtful  whether  in  all  fair  Dub- 
lin that  night  a  lighter  heart  could  have  been  found  than 
his. 

There  was  reason  for  it  too. 

As  to  the  danger  menacing  him,  he  laughed  that  to 
scorn — it  was  only  a  little  adventure,  after  all,  one  of 
many  that  marked  his  life. 

He  had  won  back  the  treasure  that  was  almost  beyond 
his  reach,  and  the  man  who  found  himself  secure  in  the 
love  of  that  divine  girl  had  cause  for  deep  and  heart-felt 
satisfaction. 

Roderic  could  never  tell  how  it  ever  came  these  fellows 
neglected  to  take  what  portable  property  he  chanced  to 
carry. 

It  was  really  a  remarkable  omission  and  might  be  laid 
to  the  fact  of  their  being  gentlemen  though  he  himself 
was  rather  inclined  to  believe  the  truth  rested  in  another 
quarter — that  they  had  been  ashamed  in  the  presence  of 
Georgia,  and  likewise  confused  by  his  positive  statement 
about  the  Scotland  Yard  officers  on  their  trail. 

Having  a  deep  seated  aversion  to  English  prisons, 
quite  excusable,  they  had  found  their  nerves  unstrung. 

Hence  Roderic  profited  by  their  confusion. 

He  hunted  up  a  cigar  and  a  match. 

That  was  comfort  enough  for  half  an  hour. 

The  future  could  take  care  of  itself. 

Such  is  the  philosophy  of  a  dare  devil  who,  from  long 
familiarity  has  conceived  a  species  of  contempt  for  dan- 
ger. 

He  could  hear  some  one  moving  about  above,  and  un- 


"ADIOS,  BELOVED!'*  91 

derstood  that  the  general  must  be  preparing  to  leave  the 
odd  little  furnished  cottage  which  he  had  hired. 

More  time  passed. 

Owen  was  only  waiting  until  they  left  the  house,  when 
he  would  undertake  to  get  free  from  his  prison. 

No  ordinary  cellar  was  constructed  that  could  restrain 
a  man  of  his  ability  for  any  great  length  of  time. 

An  occasional  flash  from  a  match  kept  him  informed  as 
to  the  flight  of  time. 

These  brief  periods  of  illumination  also  gave  him  some 
conception  as  to  his  surroundings,  and  he  was  thus  en- 
abled to  figure  as  to  what  shape  his  action  should  take 
in  order  to  bring  the  most  speedy  results. 

At  length  all  seemed  to  become  quiet  above. 

He  had  heard  several  doors  slam. 

Doubtless  the  doughty  general  and  his  lovely  ward  had 
sallied  forth  to  board  the  blockade  runner  that  was  to 
take  them  across  the  ocean. 

Roderic  sighed  to  think  he  would  not  see  her  again  for, 
Heaven  alone  knew  how  long. 

Never  mind,  he  had  experienced  a  foretaste  of  Paradise 
on  this  evening  which  he  would  have  considered  cheaply 
purchased  had  he  been  compelled  to  meet  ten  times  as 
many  difficulties  in  order  to  win  it. 

It  had  brightened  his  life  and  given  him  something 
blessed  for  which  to  live. 

Filled  with  zeal,  as  though  inspired  to  prove  himself 
worthy  of  the  dear  girl  who  had  so  readily  forgiven  his 
cruel  desertion  because  of  the  great  love  she  bore  him, 
Owen  arose. 

First  of  all  he  stretched  himself,  as  though  feeling  of 
his  strength. 

He  had  resolved  to  bend  his  energies  upon  the  door 


92  "ADIOS,  BELOVED!" 

of  the  subterranean  prison,  as  offering  the  best  possible 
opportunity  for  escape. 

So  he  groped  his  way  to  the  stone  steps  and  made  his 
way  upward. 

At  length  he  touched  the  door. 

Of  course  it  was  fast. 

Those  vindictive  Spaniards  had  meant  what  they  said, 
and  really  hoped  he  might  be  kept  down  below  until  so 
weakened  by  hunger  that  he  could  put  up  but  a  feeble 
defense  against  the  great  gaunt  Dublin  sewer  rats. 

Which  shows  how  little  they  knew  a  progressive  Yan- 
kee and  his  inventive  abilities,  that  stop  at  nothing  when 
the  occasion  makes  demands. 

Roderic  knew  how  to  assail  such  a  door. 

He  smiled  disdainfully  when  he  found  they  had  actu- 
ally left  the  key  in  the  lock. 

What  a  snap  it  was. 

Why  these  fellows  were  hardly  out  of  their  swaddling 
clothes  when  it  came  to  outwitting  a  twentieth  century 
Yankee. 

He  thought  he  would  start  openations  upon  that  door 
immediately. 

Then  his  mind  changed  for  a  sound  reached  his  ears — 
some  one  was  approaching — he  could  even  see  a  gleam  of 
light  from  under  the  door. 

Now  they  stood  without  with  only  the  door  between. 

He  heard  a  key  turned  in  the  lock. 

Roderic  braced  himself  for  a  struggle,  not  knowing  but 
what  one  of  the  most  vindictive  Spaniards,  Roblado  per- 
haps, had  crept  back,  resolved  to  have  a  dark  revenge. 

Thus,  half  crouching  on  the  steps,  he  awaited  the  open- 
ing of  the  door. 

Now  it  moved. 


"ADIOS,  BELOVED!"  93 

He  had  a  glimse  of  a  flaring  candle  held  in  a  small 
hand,  and  then  came  sudden  darkness,  for  a  draught  from 
the  cellar  had  snuffed  out  the  flame. 

But  Roderick  had  in  that  one  glance  seen  enough  to 
arouse  the  most  delightful  sensations  within  his  heart. 

A  voice,  low  and  soft  but  sweeter  than  a  breath  from 
Cathay  reached  his  ears  and  set  the  music  throbbing  in 
his  heart, 

"Senor  Roderic — hola,  it  is  I !" 

"God  bless  you — I  am  here  within  reach.  Hold  steady 
and  let  me  touch  you,  lest  I  believe  I  am  only  dreaming, 
my  darling." 

And  he  immediately  held  her  little  loyal  form  within 
the  shelter  of  his  arms,  though  when  he  rained  burning 
kisses  on  her  lips  she  struggled  to  be  free. 

"This  is  no  time  for  that.  Holy  mother,  what  a  rude 
man  you  are,  Senor  Roderic.  Release  me,  I  beg,  I 
command.  Remember  he  must  win  who  wears.  You 
have  a  duty  to  perform." 

"Which  shall  be  accomplished  with  Heaven's  help.  But 
I  thought  you  were  gone,  sweetheart  ?" 

"We  are  just  starting — the  cart  is  at  the  door,  and 
uncle  is  waiting." 

"Then  he  knows  why  you  return?" 

"Yes.     He  made  only  one  stipulation." 

"What  is  it?" 

"Your  promise  not  to  move  a  hand  until  dawn,  to  pre- 
vent our  sailing  on  the  Sterling  Castle." 

Roderic  breathed  easier. 

"Tell  the  dear  old  governor  I  give  that  most  willingly. 
You  know  I  leave  here  myself  in  a  comparatively  few 
hours." 

"Then  I  must  go." 


94  "ADIOS,  BELOVED  1" 

"You  leave  me — we  may  never  meet  again." 

"The  Virgin  watch  over  you,"  she  faltered. 

"Will  you  go  without  one  parting  embrace — ah !  the 
world  is  wide  and  danger  lurks  everywhere  when  people 
are  at  war.  One  kiss  sweetheart,  of  your  own  free  will — 
it  may  be  a  talisman  to  guard  me  against  evil." 

He  pleaded  not  in  vain. 

A  pair  of  soft  arms  were  thrown  around  his  neck,  and 
not  one  but  a  dozen  kisses  rained  upon  his  lips — then 
when  he  would  have  sought  to  detain  her  she  eluded 
his  grasp  and  flitted  away  in  the  dark,  her  gentle  "adios, 
beloved,"  sounding  like  a  benediction  to  his  ravished  ears. 

A  few  minutes  later  he  heard  the  roll  of  wheels,  as 
the  jaunting  car  took  them  to  the  distant  quay. 

"She  is  gone,  Heaven  bless  her,"  he  muttered — "lucky 
man  that  I  am,  thrice  blessed  to  be  beloved  by  two  such 
charming  creatures ;  but  to  me  there  is  only  one  who  can 
fill  the  longing  of  my  heart  and  she  has  just  left  me." 

And  this  was  the  reason  Roderic  turned  up  at  the 
Shelbourne  late  that  night  looking  like  a  man  who  had 
supped  with  adventure. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST. 

WHEN  Roderic  Owen  saw  the  look  of  deep  concern  on 
his  cousin's  face  give  way  to  a  radiant  expression  as 
he  entered  the  door  of  the  hotel,  his  heart  reproached 
him. 

Here  he  had  been  actually  reveling  in  the  realms  of 
bliss  for  the  last  three  hours  or  more,  while  Cleo,  judg- 
ing from  her  appearance,  had  been  "plunged  in  a  gulf 
of  dark  despair,"  or  at  least  considerably  worried  over 
the  fact  of  his  singular  disappearance. 

It  was  really  too  bad. 

Her  faithful  heart  had  yearned  after  him,  just  as  a 
loving  sister's  might  for  the  absent  one — the  two  girls 
were  so  entirely  unlike  in  looks  and  temperament  that 
it  never  occurred  to  him  to  compare  Cleo's  affection 
with  that  of  Georgia — and  yet  it  was  of  the  kind  that  lasts 
through  life. 

Feeling  that  somehow  he  had  caused  Cleo  considerable 
anxiety,  and  being  conscience  stricken  on  account  of  his 
own  present  happiness,  Roderic  advanced  hastily  to  ascend 
the  broad  stairs  and  meet  her  on  the  landing  above. 

"You  were  worried  about  me,  dear  cousin  ?" 

"Naturally  so — all  day  you  have  been  away — and  to- 
morrow we  sail — unless  something  important  has  hap- 
pened, to  alter  your  plans,"  she  replied,  her  face  flush- 
ing at  the  eager  manner  in  which  he  caught  her  hand. 

"Something  important  has  happened,  but  it  will  not  de- 

95 


96  DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST. 

lay  our  leaving  Dublin  to-morrow,"  he  replied,  mentally 
deciding  that  the  time  had  come  for  him  to  confide  his 
secret  to  this  tender  heart. 

If  it  brought  pain,  God  forgive  him,  since  he  was  un- 
wittingly the  cause,  but  sooner  or  later  Cleo  must  learn 
the  truth,  and  the  occasion  seemed  to  demand  that  he 
speak  now. 

They  were  alone,  but  it  was  very  public — perhaps  a 
quiet  nook  in  one  of  the  small  parlors  would  suit  better 
for  a  confessional. 

"Come  with  me,  dear  cousin — I  have  much  to  tell  you 
— much  that  concerns  my  past  and  promises  to  control 
my  future,"  he  said,  earnestly. 

"Ah,"  thought  Cleo,  as  she  followed  his  eager  steps, 
"it  is  coming — he  has  seen  her  again,  this  Georgia  whom 
he  knew  and  loved  in  San  Juan.  I  must  crush  down  my 
own  feelings  in  the  matter  and  appear  just  what  he  be- 
lieves me — an  affectionate  comrade,  a  loving  sister." 

That  was  a  heroine  for  you — it  is  not  given  of  all 
women  to  be  Joan  of  Arcs,  but  occasion  may  arise  in 
any  life  calling  for  as  much  determined  spirit  and  hero- 
ism as  the  noble  Maid  of  Orleans  ever  boasted. 

The  bijou  parlor  was  entirely  deserted,  though  still 
lighted,  and  over  in  a  cozy  corner  where  a  pile  of  cush- 
ions invited  Oriental  comfort  they  settled  down  for  a 
little  private  talk. 

Some  men  would  have  opened  up  in  an  evasive  manner 
and  told  as  little  as  necessity  demanded. 

Not  so  Roderic  Owen. 

When  a  task  was  set  before  him,  no  matter  how  un- 
pleasant or  embarrassing,  his  method  was  to  plunge 
squarely  into  it,  neither  sparing  himself  nor  seeking  glory 
from  the  recital. 


DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST.  97 

So  he  told  how  he  had  met  the  lovely  belle  of  the  Porto 

Rico  capital — the  strange  and  romantic  manner  in  which 
Providence  seemed  to  delight  in  throwing  them  together, 

and  how  he  was  enabled  to  save  her  great  inconvenience, 
if  not  her  life — of  the  mutual  attachment  that  naturally 
sprang  up  between  them  that  rapidly  ripened  into  a 
passion — of  their  engagement  and  the  glorious  weeks 
succeeding,  when  they  lived  in  Paradise. 

Then  came  the  serpent  in  Eden — coquetry  on  the  girl's 
part,  rank  jealousy  on  his,  without  just  cause  it  had 
proved. 

After  that,  hot  words,  violent  separation — the  old,  old 
story  of  wounded  hearts,  so  many  times  repeated  in  the 
history  of  the  world — of  two  souls  intended  for  each 
other,  wandering  about  the  earth  estranged,  because  of 
hasty  temper. 

To  all  of  this  Cleo  listened  with  deepest  sympathy 
marked  upon  her  face. 

What    pain    her    heart    experienced  would    never  be 

known  to  the  world,  for  she  crushed  this  down  with  a 
resolute  hand. 

Woman  was  created  to  withstand  most  of  the  suffer- 
ing in  this  world — Providence  endowed  her  with  a 
larger  capacity  for  such  endurance  than  man ;  just  as  the 
lord  of  creation  was  given  the  spirit  of  the  chase,  of  bat- 
tle, and  as  the  bread-winner  in  life's  strife. 

Finally  Roderic  brought  the  story  to  Dublin  and  told 
how  Georgia  disguised  as  a  Sister  of  the  Holy  Grail, 
warned  him,  though  so  well  had  she  concealed  her  identity 
that  he  had  not  guessed  it  until  after  she  had  gone. 

This  brought  him  down  to  the  time  he  was  passing 
on  the  Rathmine  car,  and  had  a  glimpse  of  the  girl  he 
loved  in  the  window  of  the  quaint  East  India  bungalow. 
He  was  a  good  story  teller,  and  the  subject  one  in 


98  DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST. 

which  his  whole  heart  was  engaged,  so  that  he  quickly 
held  the  girl  spell-bound  as  he  described  how  the  recon- 
ciliation was  brought  about. 

When  he  finally  told  how  Georgia  allowed  him  to 
take  her  in  his  arms,  Cleo  smiled  to  hide  the  aching 
heart  she  carried,  and  which  she  feared  might  betray  its 
pain  upon  her  face. 

Of  course  she  thought  that  was  the  end. 

"You  love  her  with  a  deathless  devotion,  cousin — 
she  has  become  a  sine  qua  non  to  your  existence?"  she 
remarked,  to  hide  her  little  tremor,  her  pallor  and  any 
confusion  that  might  appear. 

"She  is  the  life  of  my  life — I  had  gone  to  the  point 
of  being  an  old  bachelor,  cousin,  without  ever  falling 
in  love — indeed,  I  had  begun  to  doubt  seriously  whether 
my  nature  was  capable  of  any  passion,  for  my  devotion  to 
your  cousinly  self  had  been  the  only  affection  I  had  ever 
known — when  she  crossed  my  path  like  a  brilliant  meteor 
and  from  that  day  to  this  I  have  not  known  the  old 
peace.  Yes,  I  love  her  with  heart  and  soul — as  you 
say  it  truly  seems  as  though  this  dark-eyed  girl  had  be- 
come an  indispensable  condition  to  my  existence.  I  tell 
you  this  knowing  how  much  you  care  for  my  happiness — 
how  you  sympathize  with  my  griefs  and  rejoice  when 
prosperity  finds  me." 

Perhaps  it  was  cruel  to  say  this,  but  remember  that 
Owen  found  it  almost  impossible  to  believe  Cleo  enter- 
tained a  passion  for  him  beyond  that  calm,  cousinly 
affection. 

Besides,  it  was  a  part  of  his  religion  that  heroic 
treatment  was  always  best. 

If  he  had  an  unpleasant  duty  to  perform  the  sooner 
it  was  done  the  better  for  his  peace  of  mind. 


DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST.  99 

"You  say  this  happened  at  about  dusk?"  she  asked. 

"Yes,  I  was  hurrying  to  the  hotel  to  dress  so  that  I 
might  eat  dinner  with  you." 

"Possibly  at  seven,"  with  an  arch  glance  in  the  direc- 
tion of  a  little  ormolu  clock  upon  the  mantel,  that  was 
merrily  ticking  away  the  minutes. 

Roderic  laughed  in  some  confusion. 

"Pray,  do  not  imagine  I  forgot  the  lapse  of  time, 
since  it  is  now  after  eleven.  Truth  to  tell  I  have  been  a 
prisoner  all  this  time — not  a  captive  held  by  Love's 
silken  strands  as  you  suspect." 

"A  prisoner — oh !  Roderic,  then  that  reconciliation  was 
not  the  end?"  she  exclaimed,  remembering  that  his  ap- 
pearance was  hardly  that  of  a  gentleman  who  exhibited  as 
a  usual  thing  some  fastidiousness  in  his  dress. 

"Rather  it  was  but  the  beginning,  for  at  that  very 
moment  the  gruff  old  general,  her  uncle,  rushed  like  a 
whirlwind  into  the  house,  bellowing  for  a  chance  to  an- 
nihilate the  Yankee  spy  whom  one  of  his  bold  colleagues 
had  seen  enter." 

"That  was  exciting  enough — I  am  quite  anxious  to  see 
that  odd  old  soldier  of  whom  you  have  spoken  so  much. 
But  go  on — he  recognized  you?" 

"Not  at  all — the  dim  light  and  his  passion  blinded 
eyes  prevented  that.  At  once  he  demanded  that  I  take 
my  choice  of  the  various  swords  on  the  wall  and  give 
him  an  opportunity  to  wipe  out  the  insult  my  presence 
put  upon  his  dwelling." 

"What  a  ferocious  old  firebrand  he  must  be.  And 
did  she  not  explain — you  said  she  had  usually  such  power 
over  this  uncle?" 

"He  would  not  let  her  say  anything,  but,  wild  with  an- 
ger brushed  Georgia  aside  and  swore  as  only  a  furious 


100  DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST. 

Spaniard  could,  that  unless  I  at  once  accepted  his  benevo- 
lent offer  of  a  fair  chance  to  defend  myself,  he  would  lay 
the  flat  of  his  sword  on  me,  and  use  his  boot  in  ejecting 
me  from  the  premises." 

"The  old  brute — and  of  course  after  that,  Cousin  Rod- 
eric,  you  had  to  fight  ?" 

"There  was  no  other  way  of  escaping  the  dilemma.  So 
I  snatched  a  sword  from  the  wall  and  met  his  attack. 
Well,  we  had  quite  a  lively  passage  at  arms  for  some  min- 
utes. As  I  had  fenced  with  the  old  governor  often  before 
I  knew  he  was  behind  the  times.  Georgia  had  fled  from 
the  room  to  hunt  a  lamp.  Just  as  she  returned  fortune 
allowed  me  to  disarm  the  general." 

"Ah !  yes,  it  is  always  fortune  and  good  luck  when  you 
manage  to  succeed,  cousin  mine,"  she  exclaimed  with 
some  heat,  "but  I  know  what  skill  you  possess  with  a 
sword — I  have  my  own  opinion  on  that  score.  But  go 
on — Georgia  returned  with  a  light  at  this  most  interesting 
juncture?" 

"And  the  general  recognized  me — he  was  almost  para- 
lyzed, and  was  ready  to  forgive  my  miserable  treatment  of 
his  niece  when  he  learned  that  she  had  done  so.  Unfor- 
tunately his  friends  rushed  in  at  this  juncture,  and  taking 
me  unawares  made  me  a  prisoner." 

"Not  before  one  or  more  had  suffered  at  your  hands, 
I  warrant,"  she  asserted,  stoutly,  for  since  Roderic  would 
not  sound  his  own  trumpet  it  was  necessary  that  some  one 
else  blow  it  for  him. 

Ah !  the  man  who  has  such  a  faithful  heart  looking  after 
his  interests  is  blest  indeed. 

"Well,  I  must  confess  I  did  not  inflict  much  punishment 
upon  them  because  they  hung  on  like  so  many  leeches, 
quite  overpowering  me.  Besides,  I  knew  they  would 
hardly  dare  do  me  any  bodily  harm." 


DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST.  IO1 

Then  he  told  what  followed,  and  how  they  put  him  in 
the  cellar  to  clip  his  wings,  as  they  said. 

Finally  came  the  last  scene  in  the  drama  where  the  door 
opened  and  he  had  Georgia  in  his  arms  again. 

Roderic  made  little  of  this,  for  the  conviction  was  now 
forcing  itself  upon  even  his  dull  masculine  mind  that  such 
tender  scenes  might  not  be  in  the  best  taste  possible,  con- 
sidering the  circumstances. 

"And  thus  you  see  me  on  deck  once  more,  a  little  the 
worse  for  wear  perhaps,  but  ready  to  sail  with  you  to- 
morrow, if  you  say  the  word,"  he  ended. 

"You  are  happy,  Roderic  ?" 

"Yes,  God  has  been  very,  very  good  to  me.  I  don't  de- 
serve it,  cousin." 

"You  look  forward  to  meeting  Georgia  in  the  island 
beyond  the  sea?" 

"She  has  already  started  there,  and  it  would  be  strange 
if  we  did  not  meet,  either  before  or  after  San  Juan  falls 
into  American  hands." 

"Is  she — very  beautiful,  Roderic?" 

"You  shall  say  for  yourself  when  you  see  her,  for  it  is 
my  fondest  hope  that  you  may  be  the  dearest  of  friends. 
You  will  promise  me  that,  Cleo  ?" 

Again  she  resolutely  thrust  self  aside. 

"Whom  you  love  must  be  a  sister  to  me,  cousin,  Yes,  I 
give  you  such  a  promise  willingly." 

The  rebellion  in  her  heart  was  kept  down  with  a  firm 
hand — what  was  human  might  struggle  and  cry  out,  but  it 
could  not  overcome  the  divine  element  that  came  from 
Calvary — the  desire  to  sacrifice  self  for  the  good  of  one 
beloved. 

Then  they  fell  to  talking  of  the  contemplated  ocean  voy- 
age and  what  pleasures  it  promised  to  souls  that  delighted 


IOS  DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST. 

in  travel,  and  for  which  the  ever  changing  boundless  deep 
had  charms  that  were  invisible  to  the  eye  of  the  ordinary 
tourist. 

Finally  Roderic  realized  the  lateness  of  the  hour,  and 
declared  he  ought  to  be  ashamed  to  keep  his  cousin  from 
her  beauty  sleep,  especially  as  it  was  all  on  account  of  his 
own  personal  business. 

Possibly  Roderic  slept  but  little  that  night. 

He  had  much  upon  his  mind. 

And  yet  he  was  far  happier  than  the  girl  from  Virginia, 
since  there  was  a  bright  future  to  which  he  could  look 
forward. 

With  her  that  future  was  a  blank. 

Many  there  are  fated  in  this  world  to  love  without  hope 
of  a  reciprocal  affection,  but  few  can  bear  their  cross  with 
the  gentle  happy  spirit  shown  by  Cleo. 

When  they  met  again  at  an  early  breakfast,  while  old 
Dublin  was  waking  up,  no  one  would  suspect  from  her 
smiling  face  and  dancing  blue  eyes  that  Cleo  had  ever 
known  a  serious  sorrow,  or  that  a  canker  lodged  close  to 
her  gentle  heart. 

She  took  the  deepest  interest  in  all  the  contemplated 
movements  of  her  cousin,  and  entered  into  the  enthusiasm 
of  his  plans  as  though  she  had  a  reason  to  share  in  his 
future  happiness. 

Matters  had  been  so  carefully  adjusted  on  the  preceding 
day  that  little  remained  to  be  done  save  have  their  portable 
luggage  taken  down  to  the  landing  stage,  and  go  through 
with  a  few  forms  necessary  ere  the  steam  yacht  could  de- 
part. 

Though  Roderic  was  not  sorry  to  leave  Dublin,  under 
the  circumstances,  he  must  always  cherish  a  pleasant 
recollection  for  the  bright  Irish  capital. 


DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST.  1OJ 

It  was  here  the  incubus  that  had  pressed  upon  his 
shoulders  for  well  nigh  two  years  had  been  cast  aside,  and 
the  sun  of  hope  burst  from  behind  the  clouds  of  despair. 

Yes,  the  name  of  Dublin  would  ever  be  associated  with 
pleasant  memories,  for  the  little  encounter  with  Don  Por- 
fidio  was  but  a  romance ;  while  his  capture  and  imprison- 
ment by  the  Spanish  clique  had  only  been  the  means  of 
bringing  his  beloved  sweetheart  again  to  his  arms,  and  he 
could  not  harbor  ill  feelings  against  any  cause  that  had 
brought  about  such  an  effect. 

By  ten  o'clock  they  were  on  board  the  yacht. 

Roderic  could  not  help  casting  many  eager  glances 
around  at  the  various  vessels  lying  at  anchor  in  Kings- 
town harbor. 

He  was  thinking  of  the  Sterling  Castle. 

Already  he  had  made  inquiries  concerning  the  steamer, 
and  knew  her  build. 

There  were  several  marked  peculiarities  about  her  style, 
the  painting  of  her  funnel  and  other  things  that  would 
stamp  her  individuality,  so  that  he  was  able  to  declare 
after  searching  the  harbor,  that  the  impudent  little  block- 
ade runner  was  not  present. 

Then  she  had  about  twelve  hours  the  start  and  was 
doubtless  far  down  the  Irish  coast. 

The  anchor  was  weighed  with  the  usual  cheery  English 
chorus,  and  as  the  steam  yacht  headed  into  Dublin  bay, 
Roderic,  looking  back  to  the  beautiful  city  thus  left  be- 
hind, could  not  but  be  impressed. 

It  was  a  glorious  summer  day  and  the  sight  an  inspir- 
ing one,  for  Kingstown  harbor  at  this  season  of  the  year 
is  usually  thronged  with  pleasure  craft  as  well  as  those  of 
business. 

Going  out  they  passed  the  Holyhead  steamer  just  en- 
tering. 


104  •»          DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST. 

Roderic  could  not  but  reflect  with  deep  satisfaction 
what  a  great  change  had  taken  place  in  his  own  life  since 
he  trod  the  hurricane  deck  of  that  same  steamer  a  short 
time  before. 

Truly  events  follow  each  other  in  rapid  succession  in 
some  lives. 

Providence  seemed  to  be  in  an  especially  favoring  mood 
with  regard  to  his  fortunes  just  at  present. 

If  it  would  only  continue. 

He  knew  not  what  the  future  held — perhaps,  could  he 
have  lifted  the  veil  and  obtained  a  glimpse  of  what  ad- 
ventures and  perils  lay  in  his  path,  the  prospect  might 
have  appalled  even  his  stout  heart. 

How  mercifully  the  future  is  screened  from  our  inquisi- 
tive eyes — could  we  but  know,  how  idle  would  our  strug- 
gles seem,  and  despair  must  often  cause  us  to  cease  the 
hopeless  contest. 

It  is  this  element  of  uncertainty  that  keeps  hope  alive  in 
our  hearts,  and  many  times  wrings  victory  from  seeming 
defeat. 

As  they  passed  down  the  far  famed  Irish  sea  the  tops 
of  the  green  hills  could  always  be  seen  above  the  haze 
that  sometimes  hid  their  base  and  the  fishing  villages 
nestling  there  from  view.  * 

Roderic  spent  much  time  in  leaning  over  the  rail  and 
watching  this  everchanging  panorama,  while  smoking  his 
pipe — for  Cleo  had  made  it  distinctly  understood  that  she 
was  very  fond  of  tobacco  smoke  in  the  open  air,  and  that 
he  was  at  liberty  to  indulge  when  and  where  he  chose ;  a 
privilege  that  caused  Miss  Becky  to  lift  her  eyes  in  hor- 
ror, for  she  had  a  special  aversion  to  this  self  same  odor. 

However,  she  never  found  Roderic  other  than  a  gen- 
tleman, and  he  would  always  move  his  seat  in  order  that 


DOWN  THE  IRISH  COAST.  105 

the  fragrant  smoke  might  not  blow  across  her  sacred  per- 
son, so  that  in  this  way  he  made  a  firm  friend  of  the  old 
maid. 

When  nightfall  came  they  took  their  last  look  at  old 
Ireland's  green  hills,  for  unless  all  calculations  failed  they 
would  be  out  on  the  broad  Atlantic  by  daylight,  headed 
for  the  West  Indies. 

Roderic  had  by  this  time  thrown  off  the  reserve  that 
weighed  down  his  spirits  at  first  and  become  his  own 
sociable  self,  ready  to  enter  into  any  game  that  promised 
relaxation  and  sport. 

The  shore  line  faded  as  the  glow  left  the  western  sky, 
and  presently  only  lights  upon  the  hills  told  how  near  they 
were  to  the  Irish  coast. 

Thus  the  voyage  was  begun,  that  would  bring  much  of 
success  or  grief  to  his  fortunes — before  him  like  a  will- 
o'-the-wisp  flitted  the  blockade  runner,  having  on  board 
the  beautiful  maid  of  San  Juan — and  the  game  was  trans- 
ferred from  the  Old  to  the  New  World. 


CHAPTER  X. 

FOR  ONE  NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES. 

IN  heading  for  the  Antilles  there  were  several  routes 
which  they  could  take. 

It  was  possible  to  make  a  bee  line  almost  due  south- 
west, stopping  at  the  Azores  on  the  way;  or  they  could 
follow  the  plan  adopted  by  Spain  in  sending  her  ships  of 
war  across,  heading  almost  due  south  to  the  Canary  is- 
lands, then  on  nearly  the  same  course  until  the  Cape 
Verdes  were  reached,  after  which  a  run  to  the  west  would 
bring  them  to  the  Porto  Rico  coast. 

Roderic  was  much  interested  in  this  matter  and  held 
many  consultations  with  the  old  captain  as  to  what  line  he 
had  marked  out. 

Perhaps — for  somehow  our  purely  selfish  personal  ends 
will  crop  up  despite  us — he  was  speculating  as  to  what 
chances  they  had  of  overtaking  the  blockade  runner, 
should  they  have  decided  upon  the  same  course. 

There  are  always  so  many  possibilities  governing  these 
things. 

Though  the  ocean  appears  limitless,  there  are  times 
when  people  come  together  in  a  most  remarkable  man- 
ner. 

Fate  takes  a  hand  in  many  a  game  and  this  seemingly 
boundless  sea  becomes  as  a  veritable  mill  pond,  where 
boys  float  their  rafts  and  have  collisions. 

Roderic  learned  that  their  course  was  to  be  laid  by  way 
of  the  Azores,  those  sentinels  of  the  vasty  deep  that  lie 

1 06 


FOR  ONE   NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES.  107 

far  out  in  midocean  between  the  two  warring  countries, 
the  United  States  and  Spain. 

He  spent  a  portion  of  the  first  morning  afloat  in  ex- 
amining the  vessel  from  keel  to  truck  so  to  speak,  and  was 
loud  in  his  praise  of  her  stanch  abilities. 

She  had  been  built  on  the  Clyde,  and  was  of  course 
put  together  to  stay — those  canny  Scots  have  a  faculty 
for  making  timbers  hold  together  through  hurricane 
blows  and  all  manner  of  extreme  usage,  that  is  unexcelled 
in  any  other  part  of  the  world,  so  that  the  very  name  car- 
ries weight ;  as  does  the  Belfast  engine,  some  of  which  on 
old  White  Star  liners  have  done  noble  duty  a  score  and  a 
half  of  years. 

Roderic's  praise  was  so  unstinted  that  the  old  captain, 
who  loved  his  craft  as  only  a  seaman  may,  was  quite 
tickled. 

He  had  taken  a  great  liking  for  Owen,  which  was  not  at 
all  strange,  for  they  were  both  men  built  very  much  upon 
the  same  model,  possessing  sterling  characteristics. 

Perhaps  it  was  apt  to  become  something  of  a  mutual 
admiration  society,  for  Roderic  recognized  a  kindred 
spirit — what  he  admired  in  a  man  and  sought  to  exemplify 
in  his  own  person  was  present  in  the  composition  of  this 
rough  and  ready  British  sailorman. 

It  also  pleased  him  to  know  Cleo  had  been  fortunate 
enough  to  secure  such  a  reliable  mariner,  and  yet  he  real- 
ized this  was  as  much  the  result  of  good  judgment  on  her 
part  as  any  luck. 

At  least  he  would  never  suspect  that  the  Virginia  maid 
had  immediately  fancied  the  grim  old  mariner  because 
she  discovered  many  of  his  sterling  characteristics  to  be 
the  same  as  those  she  had  admired  in  Roderic  from  boy- 
hood. 


I08  FOR  ONE   NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES. 

That  was  her  secret  which  she  would  hardly  have  ac- 
knowledged even  to  her  own  heart. 

The  weather  too  was  propitious. 

A  splendid  breeze  blew,  and  as  they  were  provided  with 
sails,  these  were  utilized  in  order  to  further  increase  their 
speed. 

Roderic  gloried  in  the  fact  that  he  had  never  been  sea 
sick  a  minute  in  his  life,  and  he  had  also  seen  some  pretty 
rough  times  afloat,  from  being  caught  in  a  dreadful  ty- 
phoon in  the  China  sea  to  being  wrecked  by  a  West  In- 
dia hurricane. 

He  had  provided  himself  with  Clarke  Russell's  latest 
ocean  yarn,  and  as  his  own  condition  was  fully  equal  to 
that  so  aptly  described  by  this  wizard  of  sea  stories,  he 
could  doubly  appreciate  the  vivid  descriptions  of  storm 
and  calm,  hot  chase  and  wreck,  and  all  the  manifold 
phases  of  life  on  the  boundless  deep,  given  in  a  manner 
that  has  never  been  rivaled. 

They  also  played  shuffle  board,  tossed  deck  quoits  and 
amused  themselves  as  pilgrims  on  the  briny  ocean  learn 
to  do  when  time  hangs  heavy. 

Roderic  read  aloud  some  of  the  most  remarkable  pas- 
sages which  bore  the  witchery  of  pen  genius,  and  glancing 
up  at  the  swelling  white  sails  or  around  at  the  watery 
horizon  only  marked  by  a  wave  crest  circle,  they  were  in  a 
position  to  feel  the  vigor  of  the  description  such  as  no 
landsman,  lounging  in  a  hammock,  far  from  the  sea, 
which  mayhap  he  had  never  gazed  upon,  could  ever  ex- 
perience. 

Numerous  vessels  were  sighted  during  the  first  day, 
steamers  and  sailing  craft. 

There  is  always  keen  pleasure  watching  these  pilgrims 
of  the  deep  through  the  glasses  and  surmising  what  they 


FOR  ONE  NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES.  109 

are,  the  nature  of  their  cargo,  whence  they  come  and 
whither  bound. 

After  this  day  such  sights  would  become  more  rare, 
for  their  course  was  out  of  the  usual  transatlantic  run. 

Doubtless  in  the  good  old  days  when  galleons  laden 
with  silver  and  other  treasures  from  the  Spanish  Main 
and  Mexican  mines  were  on  this  route  to  Spain,  many  a 
piratical  craft  bore  along  this  self  same  course  with  men 
alow  and  aloft  on  the  keen  lookout  for  rich  prizes  which 
could  be  looted,  and  scuttled  with  their  wretched  crews, 
their  fate  ever  to  remain  one  of  the  mysteries  of  the 
mighty  deep. 

Such  romantic  thoughts  crept  into  Roderic's  mind — the 
situation  was  conducive  to  their  inception. 

Besides,  his  own  fortunes  were  really  as  much  tinged 
with  the  spicy  flavor  of  adventure  and  romance  as  any  he 
could  imagine  in  connection  with  those  olden  days. 

Another  day  and  they  apparently  owned  the  earth — at 
least  from  sunrise  to  sunset  not  a  vessel  was  sighted 
going  in  any  direction. 

The  spouting  of  whales,  the  gyrations  of  sharks  indi- 
cated by  the  sword-like  dorsal  fin  sticking  out  of  the 
water,  and  such  aquatic  features  were  all  that  broke  the 
monotony  of  the  livelong  day. 

Roderic  many  times  scanned  the  horizon  ahead,  and  the 
sight  of  a  distant  steamer  was  enough  to  arouse  his  eager 
interest,  for  he  could  not  get  it  out  of  his  mind  that  the 
girl  he  so  passionately  loved  was  somewhere  on  that  vast 
deep,  and  there  was  always  a  possibility  of  the  speedy 
steam  yacht  overtaking  the  slower  blockade  runner. 

Some  people  hang  their  faith  on  small  things,  lovers 
especially. 

It  is  possible  to  find  a  needle  in  a  haystack,  and  yet  it 


110  FOR  ONE  NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES. 

would  hardly  pay  one  to  devote  a  great  length  of  time  in 
the  search. 

However,  lusty  hope  buoys  the  heart  up,  and  often  leads 
to  wonderful  accomplishments. 

A  change  came  in  the  weather. 

One  can  not  always  expect  favoring  winds  and  clear 
skies  on  the  fretful  Atlantic — the  storms  will  blow  in  sum- 
mer as  well  as  during  the  cold  season. 

Cleo  had  assured  Roderic  of  her  faith  in  the  Dread- 
naught  as  a  stanch  boat  in  case  of  rough  weather. 

He  found  the  yacht  more  seaworthy  than  he  had  be- 
lieved possible. 

She  rode  the  mighty  rollers  like  a  duck,  and  at  no  time 
was  there  danger  aboard. 

Still,  this  was  only  a  sample  of  what  the  old  Atlantic 
could  kick  up  on  occasion,  and  no  matter  how  good  the 
boat,  one  who  has  experienced  the  horrors  of  a  genuine 
hurricane  while  afloat,  never  feels  a  hankering  after  its 
repetition — there  is  a  majesty  about  the  mighty  deep  when 
aroused  to  fury  that  awes  the  stoutest  human  heart;  and 
those  who  have  sailed  over  its  trackless  wastes  the  long- 
est have  the  greatest  respect  for  its  sovereignty. 

Of  course  the  storm  drove  them  out  of  their  expected 
direct  route  to  the  Portuguese  Azores,  and  delayed  their 
arrival  at  the  sentinel  islands. 

Although  these  islands  be  along  the  short  route  from 
Spain  to  her  West  India  possessions, — to  be  hers  no 
longer — as  a  usual  thing  ships  from  the  mother  country 
prefer  the  longer  passage,  partly  because  the  runs  are 
more  broken,  the  wind  more  apt  to  be  favorable,  and 
possibly  for  the  reason  that  some  of  her  fortified  posses- 
sions, the  Canaries  lie  off  the  coast  of  northern  Africa. 

Thus,  not  a  great  business  has  been  done  at  the  Azores 


FOR  ONE  NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES.  Ill 

under  the  best  of  conditions,  and  this  was  interfered  with 
while  the  war  lasted,  as  Spanish  craft  feared  to  sail  so  far 
away  from  fortified  ports,  lest  some  of  the  fast  auxiliary 
cruisers  of  Uncle  Sam,  on  the  eager  lookout  for  prizes, 
gobble  them  up. 

As  they  sighted  land,  Roderic  could  hardly  conceal  his 
impatience. 

Was  the  Sterling  Castle  in  port? 

That  would  be  a  strange  coincidence  truly,  and  yet  this 
sanguine  lover  had  the  nerve  to  believe  it  might  be  true. 

Upon  some  men  fortune  showers  favors  so  readily  that 
they  become  rank  optimists,  and  expect  astonishing  results 
from  the  most  scanty  scattering  of  seed. 

Indeed,  chance  plays  quite  a  part  in  their  calculations. 

The  day  was  almost  at  its  close  when  they  drew  near 
the  islands. 

With  the  rosy  bloom  of  the  setting  sun  shining  upon 
their  green  slopes,  the  picture  was  one  calculated  to  strike 
the  eye  as  remarkably  fine. 

Especially  would  this  be  the  case  with  an  ocean  traveler 
who  for  some  days  had  looked  upon  nothing  but  a  watery 
waste — the  green  trees  and  grass  appeal  to  his  heart. 
This  is  always  the  case  after  a  voyage — land  looks  doubly 
inviting  when  necessity  or  desire  for  a  change  has  taken 
us  away  from  friendly  shores. 

The  night  fell  before  they  drew  close  enough  to  port  to 
give  Roderic  the  opportunity  of  finding  out  whether  the 
steamer  he  sought  was  among  those  anchored  in  the  little 
bay. 

Which  was  a  keen  disappointment  to  him. 

As  an  ardent  lover  much  allowance  can  be  given  so 
good  a  fellow. 

Cleo  was  almost  as  eager — she  felt  a  warm  desire  to 


112  FOR  ONE   NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES. 

look  upon  her  successful  rival  face  to  face.  There  was 
no  mean  design  in  this,  no  hope  of  being  able  to  find  fault, 
or  discover  that  Roderic  had  made  a  wretched  choice. 

She  realized  how  furiously  in  love  with  the  girl  from 
Porto  Rico  this  cousin  of  hers  was,  and  since  she  had 
been  unable  to  arouse  such  a  passion  within  his  breast, 
naturally  she  experienced  a  genuine  desire  to  look  upon 
the  lovely  being  who  had  awakened  the  sacred  fire  in  his 
bachelor  heart. 

Then  again,  Cleo  was  honest  in  her  expressed  desire  to 
be  friendly  with  one  whom  fortune  seemed  destined  to 
make  her  cousin. 

Glasses  were  of  little  avail,  since  night's  shadows  had 
begun  to  fall. 

It  would  not  be  dark,  since  a  young  July  moon  still  held 
forth  after  a  fashion,  to  show  them  the  way  into  port. 

A  peculiar  uneasiness  had  possessed  Roderic. 

It  dated  from  the  conclusion  of  the  blow. 

Somehow,  when  looking  upon  the  last  most  violent  ef- 
forts of  the  miniature  hurricane,  the  thought  had  occurred 
to  him,  what  of  the  Sterling  Castle  ? 

Was  she  also  exposed  to  this  storm? 

The  chances  seemed  to  favor  such  a  conclusion. 

He  began  to  make  new  inquiries  concerning  her  sea 
worthiness. 

Was  her  crew  English  or  Spanish  ? 

If  the  latter  he  had  grave  doubts. 

Captain  Beven  was  able  to  give  him  some  information 
that  eased  his  mind. 

The  steamer  while  mature  in  years  was  not  an  old  hulk, 
by  any  means — Beven  had  himself  once  served  on  her  as 
second  officer  during  a  voyage  to  Singapore,  and  he  had 
reason  to  commend  her  seaworthy  qualities. 


FOR  ONE  NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES.  113 

As  to  her  present  outfit  he  believed  it  was  mostly  Eng- 
lish and  Swedes,  though  there  might  be  a  few  Spanish 
among  them. 

The  captain  was  an  ancient  tar,  a  dare  devil  who  had 
seen  service  all  over  the  earth,  been  engaged  in  South 
American  naval  wars,  was  with  China  in  her  conflict 
against  Japan,  and  bore  the  scars  of  a  dozen  wounds. 

Such  a  man,  afraid  of  nothing  on  earth,  made  an  ideal 
blockade  runner. 

The  bold  Yankees  would  find  that  they  did  not  quite 
monopolize  all  the  valor  on  earth  with  their  Hobsons  and 
Deweys. 

There  were  others,  of  the  same  strain  and  speech,  whom 
no  danger  could  daunt. 

This  was  Captain  Beven's  tribute  to  the  commander  of 
the  blockade  runner. 

Roderic  was  not  sorry  to  hear  it,  since  she  would  be 
safer  in  the  charge  of  such  a  wonderful  seaman. 

He  went  down  to  dinner  in  this  state  of  anxiety,  but 
under  the  lively  sallies  of  his  cousin  soon  recovered  his 
usual  good  spirits.  Cleo  could  arouse  him  more  quickly 
than  any  one  else  he  knew — she  seemed  to  appeal  to  some 
chord  in  his  composition  which  responded  just  as  the  harp 
does  to  the  touch  of  the  musician.  When  they  came  on 
deck  again  after  dinner,  the  little  steam  yacht  was  just 
entering  the  harbor. 

Captain  Beven,  knowing  how  fond  the  Portuguese  are 
of  ceremony  and  display,  fired  his  little  cannon  in  salute 
as  they  passed  the  picturesque  old  fort  and  castle  guarding 
the  bay,  and  after  a  little  delay,  quite  excusable  with  the 
Portuguese  gunners,  an  answering  salvo  came  from  the 
frowning  battlements  that,  seen  in  daylight  were  probably 
not  one  quarter  as  dangerous  looking  as  they  appeared 
under  the  tender  light  of  the  young  moon. 


114  FOR  ONE  NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES. 

They  found  an  anchorage  among  other  shipping,  where 
they  could  swing  at  anchor. 

At  the  most  only  a  short  stop  was  intended  here. 

They  would  take  on  board  fresh  water,  some  fruits  and 
vegetables,  together  with  chickens  and  eggs. 

During  the  few  hours  in  the  morning  while  this  was 
being  done,  Roderic  and  his  cousin  expected  to  go  ashore 
and  see  what  the  place  of  which  they  had  frequently  heard 
yet  never  seen,  looked  like. 

They  could  easily  give  a  guess. 

There  is  a  striking  similarity  among  all  ports  under 
Spanish  and  Portuguese  flags. 

The  picturesque  struggles  with  disorder — from  a  little 
distance  the  view  is  entrancing,  but  familiarity  breeds  con- 
tempt. 

Especially  is  this  true  with  the  rank  odors  that  usually 
predominate. 

With  twinkling  lights  on  shore,  a  balmy  breeze  fanning 
their  cheeks,  and  the  odor  of  flowers  wafted  over  the 
water,  it  was  very  romantic  to  stand  upon  the  deck  of  the 
yacht,  anchored  in  still  waters,  after  having  passed  so  many 
days  upon  the  heaving  deep. 

Nor  was  there  any  lack  of  sound. 

Men's  voices  floated  over  the  water,  laughter  was  heard 
from  parties  of  pleasure  seekers  in  small  boats,  and  from 
various  quarters  came  the  sound  of  music. 

Sweet  indeed  do  the  notes  of  mandolin  or  guitar  sound 
when  mellowed  by  the  water — there  is  a  peculiar  richness 
and  sympathy  to  the  strumming  of  the  taut  strings  that 
cannot  be  produced  under  other  conditions. 

Besides,  the  poetry  of  the  thing  appeals  to  what  is  ro- 
mantic in  the  heart. 

Lovers  delight  to  glide  upon  the  moonlit  water. 


FOR  ONE  NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES.  11$ 

No  wonder  then  that  Venice  with  her  canals  and  gon- 
dolas should  be  classed  as  a  veritable  Paradise  for  such 
devoted  people. 

Roderic  smoked  his  last  cigar  strong  in  the  hope  of  re- 
plenishing his  stock  on  the  morrow. 

A  band  situated  upon  some  open  plaza  discoursed  mili- 
tary music,  and  at  that  distance  even  carping  critics  found 
little  fault. 

The  evening  was  gliding  away. 

It  passed  with  leaden  wings  to  Roderic,  whose  ardent 
spirit  longed  for  the  first  streak  of  dawn,  in  the  anticipa- 
tion of  being  able  to  discover  whether  or  not  the  vessel 
that  bore  Georgia  was  in  the  harbor. 

There  was  something  almost  unendurable  in  the  sus- 
pense, and  it  required  considerable  determination  to  crush 
down  the  spirit  that  demanded  some  immediate  action  on 
his  part. 

He  had  been  compelled  to  go  back  to  the  comforts  of 
his  more  plebeian  pipe,  nor  did  its  solace  fail  to  soothe  his 
troubled  spirit. 

Thus  time  slipped  away. 

Four  bells  had  struck. 

Ere  long  they  would  be  thinking  of  seeking  their 
berths,  and  for  one  Roderic  confessed  that  the  summons 
would  not  come  amiss. 

He  yawned  several  times  as  though  he  had  not  yet  been 
able  to  make  up  the  sleep  lost  while  they  were  in  the  grasp 
of  the  storm,  when  all  hands  found  it  impossible  to  remain 
in  their  bunks. 

Truth  to  tell  he  was  thinking  that  sleep  would  bridge 
over  the  time  until  dawn,  and  cause  him  to  forget  his 
anxieties. 

The  lights  still  glimmered,  nor  had  the  sounds  of  music 
and  revelry  abated  one  particle. 


Il6  FOR  ONE  NIGHT  AT  THE  AZORES. 

Night  to  the  average  Spanish  mind  means  a  period  for 
chasing  dull  care  away  in  music,  the  dance  and  carousal. 

While  Roderic  sat  thus,  his  thoughts  flitting  from  one 
subject  to  another,  since  no  one  had  spoken  for  quite  some 
time,  a  figure  approached  which  he  recognized  upon 
glancing  up  as  belonging  to  Captain  Beven. 

As  the  mariner  stooped  over  him  he  electrified  Owen 
with  the  few  words  he  softly  uttered. 

"Sir,  I  have  reason  to  believe  the  steamer  Sterling  Cas- 
tle lies  at  anchor  just  off  our  port  quarter  1" 


CHAPTER  XI. 

THE  LADY  ON  THE  QUARTER  DECK. 

THE  news  which  Captain  Beven  communicated  almost 
in  a  whisper  to  Roderic  had  as  startling  an  effect  upon 
that  gentleman  as  though  the  guns  of  the  battery  that 
frowned  upon  their  anchorage  had  suddenly  and  without 
the  least  warning  opened  full  upon  their  jaunty  craft. 

He  sprang  to  his  feet  as  though  urged  by  a  shock  from 
a  concealed  galvanic  battery. 

Instantly  he  remembered  that  Cleo  had  been  close  by  a 
short  time  before,  and  his  first  act  was  to  turn  his  head 
and  look  for  her. 

The  ladies  had  however  quietly  withdrawn,  doubtless 
finding  Roderic  very  unsociable,  and  leaving  him  to  the 
solace  of  his  old  pipe. 

Which  was  a  very  sensible  thing  for  them  to  do,  con- 
sidering his  rudeness,  he  concluded. 

At  any  rate  it  left  the  coast  clear,  and  all  minor  things 
had  to  give  way  when  this  major  passion  that  filled  his 
heart,  was  concerned. 

"That  is  what  I  have  been  waiting  to  hear,  Captain. 
Show  me  the  boat  you  mean?"  he  said,  as  quietly  as  the 
bounding  of  blood  through  his  veins  would  allow. 

"Step  this  way,  sir." 

Captain  Beven  knew  why  Roderic  was  so  deeply  inter- 
ested in  the  Sterling  Castle,  and  as  a  man  who  had  a  fam- 
ily at  home  in  some  quiet  little  English  cathedral  town  he 
could  respect  these  feelings  of  the  ardent  lover. 

117 


Il8  THE  LADY  ON  THE  QUARTER  DECK. 

All  the  world  feels  an  interest  in  the  course  of  true  love, 
and  every  decent  man  stands  ready  to  lend  a  hand  if  by  so 
doing  he  may  assist  in  the  anticipated  happy  outcome. 

In  another  minute  they  were  leaning  over  the  port  quar- 
ter. 

"Yonder  she  lies,  riding  at  anchor.  The  light  is  very 
dim,  for  the  moon  you  see  sir,  is  just  about  going  down, 
and  presently  we  will  be  in  the  dark,"  said  the  man  of 
navigation. 

Roderic  glued  his  eyes  on  the  indistinct  form  of  what 
appeared  to  be  a  steamer,  but  beyond  this  fact  he  was 
unable  to  hazard  a  guess. 

"I  see  her  plainly  enough,  but  what  makes  you  imagine 
or  believe  she  may  be  the  vessel  I  am  so  anxious  about  ?" 
he  asked. 

Captain  Beven  was  not  at  all  offended. 

He  knew  Roderic  had  no  idea  of  questioning  his  ability 
to  determine  such  matters,  but  was  only  curious  to  hear 
the  clinching  of  the  argument  by  such  means  as  he  might 
advance. 

Hence,  he  made  answer  in  the  way  Roderic  most  de- 
sired, laying  down  the  logic  of  events  in  quick  succession. 

Beven,  if  he  had  any  peculiarity,  was  rather  inclined  to 
speaking  rapidly,  and  without  any  useless  flow  of  lan- 
guage. 

Like  Grant  and  other  great  men  of  like  calibre,  of  whom 
history  is  full,  he  believed  in  getting  at  the  kernel  of  mat- 
ters in  the  least  possible  stretch  of  time. 

"Something  familiar  about  her  appearance,  even  seen 
under  such  disadvantages.  Never  forget  the  cut  of  a  boat 
on  which  I  have  sailed.  Then  I  heard  her  bell  sound — 
do  you  know,  there  are  bells  and  bells — some  have  a  pe- 
culiar ring  that  you  would  recognize  if  you  heard  it  on  a 


THE  LADY  ON  THE  QUARTER  DECK.  lip 

camel  in  Egypt.  The  Sterling  Castle  had  such  a  bell — I 
never  heard  one  just  like  it  until  a  short  bit  ago  when  it 
sounded  four  strokes.  I  tell  you  sir,  it  made  me  jump  and 
rub  my  eyes,  half  believing  I  was  officer  of  the  deck  again 
on  board  the  stanch  old  Sterling  Castle.  And  last  but 
not  least,  there  came  a  man  from  the  shore  rowing  past 
and  heading  for  some  German  ship  over  yonder.  I  hailed 
him,  and  as  he  came  alongside  asked  him  the  question. 
As  near  as  I  could  make  out  he  said  he  believed  she  was 
called  the  Sherwin  Castle,  and  had  just  arrived  two  hours 
before  sundown.  That  settled  it,  sir." 

"I  should  think  it  did,  captain.  And  so  that  is  the  boat. 
So  near  and  yet  so  far.  It  is  very  aggravating,  captain." 

"Very,  sir,"  solemnly. 

"I  have  half  a  notion — "  reflectively. 

"Thought  you'd  say  that,  sir,"  rubbing  his  hands  glee- 
fully, as  though  anticipating  something. 

"To  make  a  little  run  across  to  her." 

"Yes,  sir,  with  what  object  in  view?" 

"Oh !  merely  to  ease  my  mind  with  respect  to  her  iden- 
tity, you  might  say,"  carelessly. 

"Of  course — quite  natural — young  blood — always  im- 
petuous," commented  the  Benedict. 

"And  incidentally  to  see  whether  I  could  find  some 
golden  opportunity  to  have  a  few  words  with  one  who  is  a 
passenger  on  board." 

"Ah!  yes." 

The  captain  placed  one  finger  alongside  his  nose. 

It  was  a  habit  he  had  when  engaged  in  serious  con- 
sideration, and  Roderic,  who  had  studied  the  old  sea  dog 
to  advantage,  felt  sure  there  would  be  some  result  to  this 
incubation. 

Nor  was  he  wrong  in  his  surmise. 


120  THE  LADY  ON  THE  QUARTER  DECK. 

"Well,  it  could  be  done,  sir,"  he  said. 

"I  knew  I  could  trust  you  to  help  me  out,  Heaven  bless 
you,  old  chap,"  said  Owen,  at  once  diving  for  the  cap- 
tain's hand  and  wringing  it  with  impetuous  ardor  quite 
unlike  his  usual  self  possessed  manner;  but  Cupid  has 
wrought  more  marvelous  changes  than  this  in  men. 

"It  would  not  do  to  go  prowling  around  the  craft  at 
this  hour  of  the  night — we  might  be  suspected  of  being 
Yankee  spies  and  fired  upon." 

"That  is  true,"  assented  Owen,  knowing  full  well  the 
captain  would  not  stop  there. 

"Now,  I  know  Captain  Shackelford  well,  and  it  wouldn't 
be  strange  for  me  to  run  over  to  shake  hands  with  the  old 
war  dog.  Besides,  a  sailor  has  respect  for  another  man's 
affection  regarding  a  craft  he  has  made  several  voyages 
on,  and  he'd  understand  why  I  want  to  tread  the  deck 
of  the  Castle  once  again.  It  revives  recollections,  you 
know,  and  throws  a  man  back  years." 

"Just  so,"  commented  Roderic,  encouragingly. 

"Well,  so  far,  good.  Now,  if  so  be  you  could  change 
your  looks  a  little  bit " 

Roderic  laughed  exultantly. 

"I  might  row  you  over  and  go  aboard." 

"Consider  it  done,  Captain,  and  many  thanks  to  you." 

"Don't  forget  they  owe  you  no  good  will." 

"And  would  be  only  too  glad  to  hang  me  up  to  the 
yardarm  if  discovered.  Don't  worry,  my  dear  fellow. 
It  has  been  my  business  to  hide  my  identity  from  all  sorts 
of  inquisitive  people.  This  comes  right  in  my  line.  When 
will  you  go?" 

"I  can  be  ready  in  five  minutes,  sir,  but " 

"In  five  minutes  I  shall  be  here." 

Then  he  vanished. 


THE   LADY  ON   THE  QUARTER  DECK.  121 

The  captain  chuckled  so  hard  he  shook  like  a  pyramid 
of  calves  foot  jelly. 

"A  boy  after  my  own  heart,  God  bless  him,  and  all 
them  that  loves  the  ladies,  are  my  sentiments.  My  little 
woman  at  home  came  without  any  such  hardships,  but  I 
honors  them  as  think  no  danger  too  great,  no  price  too 
dear,  when  true  affection  calls.  Only  I  am  surprised  at 
his  not  falling  in  love  with  Miss  Fairfax,  for  unless  my 
old  eyes  deceive  me  she  worships  the  ground  he  walks 
on.  Well,  this  is  a  queer  world  anyhow,  and  remarkable 
things  happen  in  it,"  with  which  sage  remark  the  old 
sailor  hurried  away  to  fix  up  a  little  for  his  late  visit  on 
board  the  neighboring  craft. 

When  he  returned  to  the  spot  the  five  minutes  had 
expired. 

Roderic  awaited  him. 

The  captain  would  never  have  suspected  his  identity 
only  that  he  spoke. 

In  that  brief  space  of  time  Roderic  had  completely  al- 
tered his  appearance — instead  of  a  gentleman,  well  dressed 
and  desirous  of  only  killing  time,  he  had  the  look  of  an 
ordinary  everyday  sailor. 

Even  his  face  was  altered — Captain  Beven  never  could 
tell  how  it  was  done,  and  marveled  greatly  at  the  tricks 
of  the  trade — but  in  the  semi  darkness  it  did  not  look  at 
all  like  Owen  who  addressed  him  laughingly  asking  if  he 
would  do. 

"Most  excellently.  By  the  way  I  believe  in  being  pre- 
pared for  emergencies,  even  while  not  in  the  least  expect- 
ing a  display  of  force,"  significantly. 

"Oh,  that's  all  right,"  returned  Owen,  touching  his 
pocket  in  a  convincing  manner. 

The  captain  laughed. 


122  THE   LADY  ON   THE  QUARTER  DECK. 

"Very  good.  Now,  I'll  take  a  couple  of  men  with  us  to 
do  the  rowing.  They  shall  remain  in  the  boat  while  we 
go  aboard.  You  can  act  like  my  boatswain,  if  you  choose. 
I  know  the  men  to  select,  smart  fellows  who  will  under- 
stand what  we're  up  to,  and  I'll  guarantee  they'll  not  give 
the  game  away.  Wait  a  minute." 

The  preliminaries  were  quickly  adjusted. 

A  boat  being  lowered  they  dropped  in. 

The  two  men  knew  who  their  stranger  sailor  compan- 
ion was,  the  captain  having  given  them  a  few  pointers, 
deeming  it  the  part  of  wisdom  that  they  should  not  be 
kept  in  ignorance,  and  as  Roderic  had  quickly  made  firm 
friends  of  all  the  yacht's  crew,  by  his  cheery  and  hearty 
ways,  they  were  genuinely  interested  in  the  successful  out- 
come of  his  venture. 

Poor  the  sailor  who  has  not  sweetheart  or  wife  in  port 
— indeed,  they  have  been  often  accused,  doubtless  falsely, 
of  a  predeliction  for  having  a  girl  in  every  port. 

The  silvery  crescent  moon  just  hung  trembling  above  the 
horizon,  preparatory  to  taking  the  plunge  that  would  hide 
her  from  view  until  another  night  rolled  around. 

Roderic  was  duly  impressed  with  the  witchery  of  his 
surroundings,  nor  did  the  romantic  nature  of  his  own 
errand  fail  to  stamp  itself  upon  his  mind. 

Thus  they  quitted  the  side  of  the  yacht  and  headed 
directly  for  the  steamer  whose  vague  outlines  could 
just  be  dimly  seen  through  the  haze  and  darkness. 

Hardly  had  they  proceeded  five  boatlengths  than  Captain 
Beven  who  sat  beside  him  in  the  stern-sheets,  turning 
his  head  to  take  a  last  loving  glance  at  his  own  little  craft, 
uttered  an  exclamation. 

This  of  course  caused  Roderic  to  follow  suit. 

He  saw  instantly  what  had  caught  the  old  sailor's  eye. 


THE  LADY  ON  THE  QUARTER  DECK.  123 

A  woman's  white  duck  dress  stirred  by  the  night  breeze 
drew  his  attention  to  the  quarter  deck. 

It  was  Cleo,  who  had  come  on  deck  again,  possibly  to 
discover  whether  he  had  aroused  from  his  state  of  dreamy 
forgetfulness. 

Did  she  know  where  they  were  going — was  she  aware 
of  his  presence  in  the  boat  ? 

Impossible. 

He  might  have  called  out,  but  that  would  hardly  have 
been  politic — she  should  hear  the  results  of  the  adventure 
when  they  returned. 

His  attention  was  now  entirely  occupied  with  the  craft 
which  their  boat,  urged  on  by  the  strokes  of  the  two  men, 
was  rapidly  approaching. 

As  she  loomed  out  of  the  water,  even  Roderic  could 
see  she  was  fairly  well  laden. 

He  could  imagine  the  cargo  would  be  one  that  might 
prove  of  great  value  to  the  forces  of  General  Blanco, 
could  it  be  landed  at  Havana  in  spite  of  the  Yankee  fleet 
lying  off  that  city. 

When  they  came  close  up  Roderic  saw  the  British  flag 
floating  from  the  stern. 

Then  his  eyes  sought  the  smoke  stack,  and  as  near  as 
he  could  judge  in  the  uncertain  light  it  appeared  to  an- 
swer the  description  he  had  received  of  the  Sterling  Castle 
— the  funnel  was  dark  below  and  light  above,  probably 
buff,  with  the  trade-mark  of  its  line  in  relief. 

It  mattered  little,  since  Captain  Beven  was  about  to 
settle  this  matter  once  and  for  all. 

Their  approach  had  been  noisy  enough  to  attract  atten- 
tion, and  as  they  came  up,  a  deep  voice  hailed  them. 

It  was  a  decidedly  English  voice,  and  the  salutation 
lacked  the  extreme  courtesy  that  might  have  been  ex- 


124  i     THE  LADY  ON  THE  QUARTER  DECK. 

pected  had  the  vessel  floated  the  colors  of  Spain,  France 
or  Italy. 

"Hello!  the  boat — what  d'ye  want?" 

That  was  to  the  point,  at  least. 

Captain  Beven  made  immediate  answer  to  the  effect 
that  it  was  his  desire  to  come  aboard  and  pay  his  respects 
to  his  old  friend  the  skipper,  upon  hearing  which  "the 
man  who  had  hailed  from  the  deck  sang  out  his  readiness 
to  receive  them. 

It  may  be  readily  understood  that  Roderic  found  him- 
self alongside  the  blockade  runner  with  singular  emotions 
stirring  within  his  mind. 

The  remarkable  had  happened  again,  for  it  was  quite 
out  of  the  common  that  the  two  vessels  thus  came  to- 
gether in  the  Azores. 

She  was  aboard  this  craft,  the  girl  for  whom  his  soul 
yearned. 

Perhaps  he  would  even  see  her  ere  the  lapse  of  many 
minutes. 

What  bliss  in  the  very  thought — how  could  he  help  it 
if  his  traitor  heart  bounded  tumultuously  within  its  nar- 
row confines? 

Still,  he  could  not  count  upon  it,  since  "there  is  many 
a  slip  twixt  cup  and  lip." 

Perhaps  she  may  have  already  retired  for  the  night, 
since  the  hour  was  wearing  late. 

This  hardly  struck  him  as  possible,  for  after  the  storm, 
and  the  necessity  of  being  confined  to  the  cabin,  doubtless 
the  senorita  would  be  only  too  glad  to  pass  hours  on  deck, 
especially  when  the  night  was  so  warm  below. 

Other  things  might  also  influence  her. 

The  sounds  coming  over  the  water,  how  vividly  they 
must  remind  her  of  dear  San  Juan,  and  after  an  enforced 


THE  LADY  ON  THE  QUARTER  DECK.  125 

exile  from  her  native  city  it  would  be  a  pleasure  to  once 
more  sit  and  drink  in  the  music  and  laughter  and  song 
that  can  always  be  heard  in  a  Spanish  or  Portuguese  town 
after  the  heat  of  day  has  given  place  to  the  cool  of  even- 
ing. 

Captain  Beven  clambered  aboard  and  as  though  he  had 
already  received  his  orders  to  do  likewise,  Roderic  fol- 
lowed suit. 

A  number  of  English  sailors  stood  around  as  if  in 
curiosity. 

The  captain  had  followed  the  second  officer  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  cabin,  and  Roderic  moved  in  the  same 
quarter,  as  though  possessed  of  some  curiosity  regarding 
the  vessel  upon  which  his  feet  now  pressed  for  the  first 
time. 

By  degrees  he  thus  shook  off  the  inquisitive  sailormen 
who  had  first  kept  an  eye  on  him. 

All  the  while  he  was  getting  closer  to  the  quarter  deck, 
knowing  that  here  if  anywhere,  he  would  be  apt  to  find 
the  object  of  his  search. 

Beven  had  arranged  for  at  least  an  hour's  stay  on 
board,  so  there  would  be  plenty  of  time  to  accomplish 
what  he  wished. 

When  he  heard  the  voice  of  Georgia  near  by  it  sent 
a  thrill  through  his  heart. 

She  was  here  within  a  dozen  yards  of  him,  this  beauti- 
ful maid  of  San  Juan  whose  presence  affected  him  so 
strangely,  and  under  whose  potent  spell  his  heart  de- 
lighted to  remain  a  prisoner,  rescue  or  no  rescue. 

How  was  he  to  find  an  opportunity  to  address  her  with 
others  near  by? 

That  must  depend  upon  the  good  fortune  that  awaits 
upon  Cupid's  devotees — and  Captain  Beven,  who  might 


126  THE  LADY  ON  THE  QUARTER  DECK. 

be  trusted  to  put  in  a  few  good  strokes  in  order  to  favor 
his  protege. 

As  Roderic  slipped  closer  up  to  the  little  ladder  that 
led  to  the  quarter  deck  he  could  plainly  discover  that 
besides  General  Porfidio  there  were  two  gentlemen  pres- 
ent on  the  ground,  and  these  he  presently  made  out  to 
be  the  redoubtable  Jerome  Wellington  and  a  Spanish 
agent,  possibly  the  same  Senor  Roblado,  who  had  shown 
such  a  valiant  spirit  at  the  bungalow  on  the  Rathmines 
road,  Dublin. 

Roderic  was  so  eager  to  approach  the  girl  that  he  could 
with  a  clear  conscience  have  tossed  both  of  these  loqua- 
cious worthies  overboard  into  the  waters  of  the  harbor, 
had  he  been  allowed  the  chance,  and  could  this  bold  move 
have  secured  the  desired  private  interview. 

He  knew  it  would  not — that  he  must  possess  his  soul  in 
patience  and  await  the  logic  of  events. 

Don  Porfidio  was  holding  forth  upon  some  favorite 
topic,  and  his  gruff  voice  sounded  like  the  distant  boom 
of  breakers  on  a  lee  shore. 

Roderic  bore  no  animosity  toward  the  veteran — in- 
deed, he  had  rather  grown  fond  of  him  in  times  past,  and 
the  fact  that  he  was  of  kin  to  Georgia  added  something 
to  this  feeling. 

At  the  same  time  he  wished  the  big  senor  anywhere 
else  than  here  just  at  present. 

There  is  such  a  thing  as  being  in  the  way — at  times 
even  three  can  make  a  crowd. 

You  see,  Roderic  was  no  different  from  the  same  old 
general  run  of  lovers — every  man  must  be  a  law  unto 
himself  when  he  finds  circumstances  surrounding  him 
with  a  network  of  this  kind. 

He  bided  his  time  and  counted  the  minutes  as  though 


THE  LADY  ON  THE  QUARTER  DECK.  127 

they  were  freighted  with  lead,  hoping  that  the  gentlemen 
might  suddenly  be  assailed  by  a  most  amazing  thirst  that 
would  demand  their  presence  below  decks. 

Such  a  thing  was  apt  to  happen  at  any  time  where  Don 
Porfidio  was  concerned,  as  Roderic  knew  full  well  from 
previous  experience. 

Ah !  some  one  approached. 

With  his  heart  beating  like  a  trip  hammer  from  mingled 
eagerness  and  anticipation,  he  slunk  back  out  of  sight  and 
waited,  hoping  that  this  might  be  the  earnestly  hoped 
for  deliverance. 

It  was. 

Captain  Beven  had  done  his  part  well. 

The  second  officer  of  the  blockade  runner  appeared  on 
the  quarter  deck  with  his  usual  bluff  announcement. 

"Gentlemen  all,  the  captain  has  a  visitor  who  desires  to 
make  your  acquaintance  in  the  cabin.  He  has  brought 
over  a  basket  of  champagne  with  which  to  drink  in  mem- 
ory of  old  days  when  he  trod  this  deck  in  the  duties  that 
I  now  perform.  Gentlemen  all,  will  you  be  pleased  to 
accompany  me?" 

Would  they — Roderic  could  not  but  chuckle  at  the 
eager  haste  with  which  they  bounded  from  their  chairs, 
and  apologizing  to  the  lady  for  this  necessity  that  tore 
them  from  her  charming  company,  came  down  the  ladder 
one  after  the  other,  to  solemnly  march  toward  the  cabin. 

The  game  had  worked. 

Roderic  now  had  the  coast  clear  and  it  would  be  his 
own  fault  if  he  failed  to  improve  the  golden  opportunity 
a  happy  fortune  had  placed  before  him. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

THE   MAN    WHO   MADE   SIGNS. 

IT  WAS  no  time  for  delay. 

Enough  precious  minutes  had  been  already  wasted 
while  he  listened  to  the  remarks  of  the  trio  upon  the 
upper  deck. 

Georgia  had  made  some  laughing  remark  at  the  haste 
shown  in  their  departure — she  knew  the  weakness  of 
Don  Porfidio,  and  rallied  them  on  their  readiness  to  seek 
the  confines  of  the  stuffy  cabin  because  forsooth  a  gentle- 
man had  come  on  board  with  a  basket  of  champagne. 

Perhaps,  woman  like,  she  was  a  little  piqued  because 
they  beat  such  a  hasty  retreat. 

Well,  there  was  one  ascending  the  ladder  at  this  very 
moment  whom  a  thousand  baskets,  each  loaded  to  the 
brim  with  the  finest  of  Mumms'  Extra  Dry  could  not 
tempt  from  the  locality  which  she  graced  with  her  charm- 
ing presence. 

Roderic  mounted  eagerly. 

Yes,  the  coast  was  clear. 

The  young  girl  sat  quite  alone,  apparently  lost  in  deep 
thought. 

Around  her  were  several  steamer  chairs,  just  as  the 
gallant  trio  had  left  them  when  they  made  their  hasty 
escape. 

Roderic's  eyes  were  glued  on  the  girl. 

She  had  one  hand  up  to  her  head — her  rounded  cheek 
was  poised  upon  the  forefinger,  and  in  the  ravished  eyes 

128 


THE   MAN   WHO    MADE   SIGNS.  129 

of  this  enthusiastic  adorer  she  made  the  most  charming 
spectacle  on  earth. 

He  drew  near,  endeavoring  to  calm  the  tumultuous 
throbbing  of  his  heart. 

Heaven  was  kind  to  allow  him  such  an  opportunity, 
so  much  more  than  he  had  expected  or  even  hoped  for 
in  his  wildest  fancies. 

Now  he  stood  behind  her — not  more  than  three  feet 
separated  them. 

It  was  a  moment  of  intense  suspense,  since  Roderic 
hardly  knew  how  he  should  make  his  presence  known 
without  alarming  the  girl,  and  besides,  wished  to  become 
entirely  calm  ere  trusting  himself  to  speak. 

She  evidently  heard  the  slight  movement  he  made — 
at  least  she  seemed  to  be  aware  of  his  presence,  for  while 
she  did  not  move  she  presently  spoke. 

"Well,  you  have  returned?" 

No  answer. 

"I  said  you  had  evidently  come  back,  sir." 

"Yes,"  replied  Roderic,  weakly. 

"I  don't  understand  why  you  should,"  she  said,  a  little 
scornfully. 

Roderic  hardly  knew  himself,  save  that  somehow  for 
the  life  of  him  he  could  not  help  it — there  was  an  attrac- 
tion in  her  presence  that  it  was  utterly  useless  to  resist. 

"Nor  I,"  he  muttered  in  reply. 

"Indeed,  that  is  singular.  I  am  sure  I  can  spare  your 
presence  when  there  is  a  far  greater  attraction  in  the 
captain's  chart  room.  Pray,  do  not  deprive  yourself  of 
such  enchanting  society  because  I  shall  be  left  alone.  I 
have  quite  consoling  company  in  my  thoughts  of  those 
far  away.  Leave  me,  therefore,  I  beg." 

Then  it  dawned  upon  the  benighted  man  that  this  little 


130  THE    MAN    WHO    MADE    SIGNS. 

witch  had  been  addressing  him  under  the  positive  belief 
that  it  was  one  of  the  gentlemen  who  had  made  such  a 
mad  bolt  for  the  cabin. 

Her  words  too  gave  him  a  delicious  satisfaction — 
could  she  refer  to  him  especially  when  she  thus  spoke 
of  those  to  whom  her  mind  wandered  with  pleasure — 
those  who  were  supposed  to  be  separated  by  many  leagues 
of  water? 

At  any  rate  he  hugged  the  sweet  delusion  to  his  heart 
— these  lovers  are  voraciously  selfish. 

"Why  don't  you  say  something — have  you  lost  your 
tongue,  amigof"  she  demanded. 

He  still  hesitated,  and  overcome  by  the  temptation  of 
her  dear  presence  put  out  a  trembling  hand  and  touched 
her  raven  hair. 

At  this  the  girl  suddenly  roused  herself  and  as  she 
turned  her  head  quickly  Roderic  found  himself  looking 
into  those  wonderful  orbs  that  long  ago  had  so  riddled 
his  wretched  heart  that  it  might  have  done  duty  as  a 
housewife's  sieve. 

They  were  filled  with  astonishment  at  first,  then  indig- 
nation and  gathering  anger,  for  this  girl  of  the  South 
had  a  temper. 

"How  dare  you  touch  me?" 

Roderic  made  a  mute  appeal,  this  time  with  both  hands 
— while  she  was  talking  with  gathering  emphasis,  and 
really  allowing  him  no  opportunity  to  open  with  an  ex- 
planation, he  was  thus  going  through  a  series  of  remarka- 
ble gesticulations  that  would  have  certainly  amused  an 
outside  spectator  could  he  have  seen  them. 

Even  Georgia  became  conscious  that  the  strange  sailor 
man  .was  endeavoring  to  prove  his  devotion — he  clasped 
his  hands  and  wrung  them,  he  held  out  his  arms,  entreat- 


THE   MAN    WHO   MADE   SIGNS.  131 

ingly,  he  pressed  one  hand  over  his  heart  as  he  sank  on 
his  knee,  holding  the  other  as  might  a  princely  beggar  so- 
liciting alms. 

All  of  which  at  length  aroused  her  feminine  curiosity, 
and  she  ceased  scolding  him  for  his  apparent  impudence, 
to  demand  wonderingly: 

"Are  you  mute — have  you  lost  your  tongue — why 
don't  you  answer  and  tell  me  who  are  you  and  what  in 
the  name  of  the  Virgin  do  you  mean  by  such  operatic 
gestures  ?" 

His  chance  had  come  at  last. 

"I  want — you!"  he  managed  to  say,  nor  was  he  able  to 
recognize  his  own  voice. 

"Indeed,  you  are  modesty  personified;  but  I  must  tell 
you,  Master  Impudence,  that  you  cannot  have  me,  and 
that  unless  you  return  instantly  to  the  quarter  where 
you  belong  I  shall  signal  to  the  cabin  and  summon  as- 
sistance. Instantly,  do  you  understand,  sirrah?"  and  she 
emphasized  the  command  with  an  imperious  little  stamp  of 
her  foot  upon  the  deck,  that  would  have  done  credit, 
Roderic  thought,  to  a  queen. 

"Yes,  I  understand,"  he  said,  his  voice  growing  bolder 
as  he  began  to  use  it. 

"Then  why  do  you  not  obey  me?"  she  asked,  as  if 
surprised  at  the  density  of  his  intellect. 

"Because  I  am  bound  in  chains — because  I  live  only  in 
your  presence — because  it  would  require  more  resolution 
than  I  possess  to  voluntarily  quit  your  presence,"  he 
declared,  warmly. 

Roderic  was  himself  again,  evidently — at  least  he  had 
whipped  his  demoralized  faculties  into  line  and  found 
his  tongue,  so  that  he  might  give  expression  to  what  was 
in  his  heart. 


132  THE   MAN   WHO   MADE   SIGNS. 

The  effect  upon  the  young  woman  was  plainly  per- 
ceptible— she  seemed  overwhelmed  either  by  the  warmth 
of  the  sentiments  he  expressed  or  some  familiar  tone  in 
his  ardent  voice,  possibly  both. 

At  any  rate  she  no  longer  threatened  to  summon  as- 
sistance from  the  cabin  of  the  steamer. 

On  the  contrary  she  advanced  a  step  nearer  the  sup- 
posed sailor,  and  slowly,  wonderingly  stretched  out  an 
eager  hand  toward  his  arm,  her  eyes  all  the  while  fastened 
upon  his  dimly  seen  face  as  though  she  would  there  dis- 
cover his  secret. 

"Who — who  are  you — what  right  have  you  to  express 
such  sentiments  toward  me?"  she  asked,  in  a  trembling 
voice. 

Roderic  had  now  grown  quite  bold. 

"By  the  right  you  gave  me — by  the  love  that  has  sent 
me  aboard  this  hostile  craft  just  to  get  one  glimpse  of 
your  sweet  face,  to  hear  your  dearly  loved  voice,  perhaps 
if  Heaven  were  very  very  kind,  to  even  touch  your  hand 
reverently  with  mine.  Do  you  longer  question  my  right  ?" 

"Sancta  Maria !  it  is  he,  my  Roderic !" 

She  held  out  both  hands  eagerly  and  he  crushed  them 
within  his  own. 

What  would  he  not  have  given  for  the  privilege  of  tak- 
ing her  wholly  within  the  shelter  of  his  arms,  and  press- 
ing her  to  his  loving  heart. 

But  such  action  might  be  seen — they  were  in  a  position 
where  their  figures  would  be  outlined  in  silhouette  against 
the  sky,  should  any  of  those  upon  the  lower  deck  chance 
to  look  that  way. 

Hence,  the  lover  was  forced  to  be  content  to  press  the 
two  hands  thus  confided  to  his  trust,  though  he  did  man- 
age to  bend  his  head  and  press  a  burning  kiss  upon  each 
in  turn. 


THE   MAN   WHO   MADE  SIGNS.  133 

"What  wonderful  mystery  is  this — why  are  you  here 
in  this  deep  disguise?  They  told  me  the  Azores  were 
islands  of  enchantment  and  surely  I  am  beginning  to  be- 
lieve it,"  she  said,  her  voice  thrilling  with  excitement. 

"It  is  very  simple,  and  I  shall  quickly  explain.  But, 
dearest  senorita",  do  not  forget  that  I  am  in  the  enemy's 
stronghold.  If  caught  death  might  be  the  price  of  my 
daring." 

Then  he  proceeded  to  elucidate. 

It  was  very  natural,  after  all. 

She  blushed  and  thrilled  with  pleasure  to  know  that 
she  still  held  this  man's  heart  in  the  hollow  of  her  hand 
— that  he  had  dared  all  in  the  mad  desire  to  once  again 
see  her  face  to  face. 

That  was  a  keen  satisfaction  to  one  who  loved  with 
every  fibre  of  her  being. 

Besides,  there  was  a  strong  touch  of  the  romantic  in 
his  strange  appearance,  that  was  not  without  its  effect 
upon  Georgia — native  of  Porto  Rico,  with  some  of  Spain's 
most  aristocratic  blood  in  her  veins,  it  was  not  at  all 
singular  that  such  a  deed,  savoring  of  the  days  of  chivalry 
when  Knights  sought  peril  for  the  sake  of  Love,  should 
appeal  irresistibly  to  her  heart. 

She  had  cherished  the  memory  of  how  he  rushed  into 
danger  in  Dublin,  impelled  by  this  same  magical  motive 
power,  and  the  thought  of  his  daring  had  been  very 
sweet  to  her  when  seated  alone  upon  the  deck  of  the 
steamer  watching  the  rolling  billows,  or  resting  in  her 
bijou  berth  below. 

No  longer  could  she  doubt  the  ardor  of  his  love,  when 
he  showed  such  a  willingness  to  risk  life  in  order  to  prove 
it. 

So  Roderic  related  the  little  run  of  adventure  that  had 


134  THE  MAN  WHO  MADE  SIGNS. 

befallen  him  since  last  they  parted  in  the  dark  at  the 
time  he  emerged  from  the  cellar  of  the  queer  bungalow 
dwelling. 

It  was  not  much,  but  as  she  had  experienced  the  same 
storm  there  was  at  least  a  bond  of  sympathy  between 
them. 

All  the  while  she  maintained  a  nervous  watch  in  the 
direction  of  the  steep  stair  leading  up  from  the  lower 
deck. 

He  knew  why  she  exhibited  this  zeal,  and  felt  flattered. 

It  puffs  a  man  up  to  realize  that  he  is  an  indispensable 
condition  to  one  woman  on  earth — that  she  is  deeply 
concerned  about  his  well  being;  and  when  Roderic  knew 
the  peril  hanging  over  him  caused  Georgia  such  constant 
uneasiness  he  gloried  in  the  fact,  simply  because  it  spoke 
eloquently  of  her  abiding  affection. 

"I  fancy  Captain  Beven  will  keep  the  gallant  gentle- 
men enjoying  themselves  for  some  little  time  yet.  He  is 
a  capital  hand  at  a  yarn,  and  with  a  box  of  prime  Havanas 
which  he  says  he  secured  from  a  trader  who  came  out  to 
our  boat,  to  back  up  the  basket  of  champagne  Cleo  sent 
aboard,  I  imagine  he  will  hold  them  spellbound  until  the 
last  cork  is  popped  and  the  balance  of  the  weeds  sacrificed 
to  the  god,  Moloch." 

He  knew  from  the  uneasy  movement  of  the  girl  that 
he  had  said  something  to  arouse  a  new  train  of  thought 
in  her  mind. 

"Cleo — she  is  on  yonder  boat  which  I  can  see  through 
the  darkness — your  cousin  Cleo.  And  after  having  passed 
days  in  her  society,  how  do  you  find  your  heart,  Senor 
Roderic — has  she  still  failed  to  creep  in  ?"  she  asked,  with 
a  peculiar  quivering  spasm  of  pain  in  her  voice. 

"My  God,  Georgia,  how  can  I  make  you  believe  I  love, 


THE  MAN  WHO  MADE  SIGlfe.  135 

can  love  no  woman  on  earth  while  you  live?  Is  not  my 
presence  here  at  this  moment  proof  sufficient?  You  fill 
my  heart  to  absolute  completion,  so  there  in  no  room  for 
another.  Will  you  believe  that  I  live  and  breathe  and 
have  my  very  being  centered  on  you,  heart  of  my  heart 
and  soul  of  my  soul?" 

These  words,  spoken  in  a  low  but  tense  tone,  seemed  to 
persuade  her — the  magnetism  of  his  presence,  the  beloved 
tones  of  his  voice,  the  very  fervor  of  his  impassioned 
gaze  all  served  to  convince  the  senorita  that  this  man 
whose  love  had  once  been  sufficient  to  kindle  the  fires  of 
jealousy  in  his  breast,  was  incapable  of  deception. 

"I  do  believe — yes,  I  trust  all  my  hopes  of  future  hap- 
piness in  your  hands,  for  oh!  Roderic  if  your  love  ever 
fails  me,  if  it  fades  away  like  a  dream,  I  shall  surely  die," 
she  made  response. 

Of  course  he  felt  it  his  privilege  and  duty  to  swear  by 
everything  he  held  sacred,  by  the  graves  of  his  ancestors, 
after  the  Japanese  fashion,  that  so  long  as  earth  held  them 
both,  he  could  neither  change  nor  his  passion  grow  cold. 

And  she  believed  him  from  that  hour;  implicit  con- 
fidence dwelt  within  her  trusting  heart,  and  if  this  man 
ever  did  aught  to  destroy  the  faith  she  placed  in  his  affec- 
tion let  him  be  accused  from  that  day. 

This  was  what  Roderic  was  telling  himself  as  he  stood 
there  holding  her  hand,  the  magnetic  spark  flowing  from 
soul  to  soul. 

He  was  ordinarily  quite  a  matter  of  fact  man,  but  even 
the  most  prosaic  can  be  counted  on  to  give  way  to  unheard 
of  romantic  tendencies  under  the  spur  of  such  conditions. 

Time  flies  with  extraordinary  swiftness  when  the  mo- 
ments are  freighted  with  ecstatic  bliss. 

Roderic  endeavored  to  keep  his  wits  about  him  even 


136  THE  MAN  WHO  MADE  SIGNS. 

while  exchanging  these  sentiments  with  the  girl  of  his 
heart. 

He  knew  he  had  enemies  near — he  had  not  forgotten 
the  bitterness  with  which  Jerome  hated  him  and  the 
ardor  with  which  the  Spanish  plotters  would  have  sac- 
rificed him  when  he  was  held  a  prisoner  in  the  Dublin 
villa. 

It  would  be  a  decidedly  unpleasant  episode  in  his 
checkered  career  should  they  capture  him  on  board  the 
Sterling  Castle — he  was  a  marked  man  in  the  minds  of 
those  whose  sympathies  were  enlisted  for  Spain,  and  they 
could  imagine  nothing  finer  than  an  opportunity  to  lay 
him  by  the  heels. 

Georgia  too  was  on  the  watch  for  danger,  since  any 
injury  to  her  lover  must  cause  suffering  in  her  own  de- 
voted heart. 

She  imagined  the  three  brave  gentlemen  when  they  re- 
turned after  finishing  the  wine  and  cigars  would  come 
as  they  went,  in  a  bunch. 

If  this  were  the  case  she  would  receive  ample  warning 
of  their  approach — when  the  voice  of  the  siren  was  heard 
rumbling  afar  it  would  be  time  for  Roderic  to  say  good 
bye,  and  to  get  down  from  that  quarter  deck  with  all  due 
alacrity. 

A  chance  was  given  them  to  speak  of  the  future  in  the 
land  where  fate  was  taking  them  as  fast  as  steam  could 
drive,  and  Roderic  improved  the  opportunity  to  arrange  it 
so  that  he  might  be  sure  of  meeting  Georgia  should  for- 
tune allow  him  to  enter  San  Juan  ere  it  was  surrendered 
to  General  Miles  or  those  under  him. 

It  looked  rosy  enough  just  then  while  her  loved  pres- 
ence beamed  upon  him — perhaps  later  on,  with  lowering- 
clouds  of  misfortune  shrouding  his  future,  Roderic  might 


THE  MAN  WHO  MADE  SIGNS.  137 

have  cause  for  doubts  and  fears  that  it  would  require 
all  his  personal  valor  to  scatter. 

The  warning  she  counted  on  failed  them,  for  Don  Por- 
fidio  knew  better  than  most  men  when  he  had  discovered 
a  good  thing,  and  could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  leave 
it  short  of  an  earthquake  or  a  simoon. 

Thus  it  chanced  that  Jerome  returned  alone,  returned 
smoking  a  prime  weed,  and  possibly  filled  with  the  thought 
of  a  quiet  little  flirtation  with  the  general's  charming 
niece,  whose  cold  treatment  of  his  Beau  Brummel  ad- 
vances had  rather  piqued  his  spirit  of  romantic  interest, 
and  aroused  his  manly  desire  for  conquest — returned  so 
quietly  that  his  approach  was  quite  unobserved  by  the 
two  lovers  among  the  steamer  chairs  on  the  quarter  deck 
until  his  head  and  shoulders  loomed  dimly  into  view  above 
the  top  of  the  short  ladder. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK. 

ORDINARILY  it  took  considerable  to  surprise  Jerome 
Wellington — he  had  such  good  control  over  his  nervous 
system  that  he  could  take  in  a  philosophical  manner  much 
that  might  have  rattled  a  less  collected  customer. 

In  plainer  words  he  had  studied  the  art  of  appearing 
cool  under  all  conditions. 

As  an  adventurer  with  an  enviable  record  for  success- 
ful achievements  behind  him  he  had  many  times  found 
this  accomplishment  very  useful  in  carrying  out  the  bold 
designs  necessary  to  the  fulfillment  of  his  game. 

For  once  at  least  Jerome  was  obliged  to  confess  to  weak- 
ening— for  once  his  confidence  appeared  to  have  overshot 
its  mark,  and  he  even  doubted  the  positive  evidence  of 
his  senses. 

He  could  have  sworn  that,  as  his  head  arose  above  the 
level  of  the  quarter  deck  he  positively  saw  a  common 
fellow  in  the  dress  of  a  sailor,  standing  very  very  close 
to  the  beautiful  niece  of  General  Porfidio — more  than 
this,  that  he  actually  had  the  audacity  to  raise  her  hand 
to  his  lips  and  kiss  it — Jerome  knew  full  well  what  a 
kiss  was  like,  and  could  not  be  deceived  in  the  sound  of 
one,  even  when  simply  pressed  upon  a  lady's  hand. 

Indignation  filled  his  noble  breast. 

Since  Don  Porfidio,  gallant  son  of  Porto  Rico,  was 
absent  from  his  post  of  duty,  the  pleasant  task  of  defend- 
ing his  ward  must  fall  to  others. 

138 


ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK.  139 

Undoubtedly  this  fellow  must  have  used  some  ignoble 
means  of  gaining  the  mastery  over  the  young  and  innocent 
girl's  mind — Jerome  had  exhausted  his  own  matchless 
resources  for  the  last  few  days  in  the  endeavor  to  arouse 
a  responsive  feeling  in  her  heart,  and  possibly  felt  con- 
siderably piqued  just  now  to  discover  that  what  he  had 
failed  to  accomplish  this  son  of  Neptune  had  apparently 
brought  about  with  ease. 

Of  course  he  possessed  some  wonderful  power  that 
aided  him  in  this  revolutionary  work — Jerome  had  read 
and  heard  considerable  on  the  subject  of  personal  mag- 
netism, of  hypnotism,  the  astonishing  control  one  mind 
may  have  over  another  that  nature  has  so  constructed 
as  to  make  it  subject  or  tributary  to  the  first. 

What  was  needed,  therefore,  was  the  sudden  introduc- 
tion of  a  third  resolute  body  in  order  to  break  the  magic 
spell. 

Jerome  would  be  this  public  benefactor — he  was  al- 
ways ready  to  sacrifice  his  own  comfort  in  order  to  re- 
store natural  harmony. 

Having  thus  quickly  decided  that  it  was  not  only  his 
privilege  but  a  duty  as  well,  to  step  between  this  necro- 
mancer and  his  intended  victim,  Jerome  set  the  ball  rolling 
by  continuing  his  upward  movement. 

By  this  time  his  presence  seemed  to  have  become  known 
to  those  in  whose  mutual  affairs  he  was  taking  such  a  re- 
markable interest. 

Strangely  enough  it  was  the  girl  who  first  detected  the 
fire  of  his  cigar  appearing  above  the  line  marking  the 
quarter  deck — the  girl  who  uttered  a  choking  little  Span- 
ish exclamation  of  mingled  alarm  and  consternation — 
the  girl  who  even  sprang  back  a  step  as  though  to  make 
it  appear  that  she  and  the  sailor  were  but  engaged  in  an 
ordinary  conversation. 


140  ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK. 

All  of  which  was  noted  by  the  newcomer  with  no  little 
surprise. 

It  did  not  alter  his  dctci  mination  to  inject  his  person- 
ality into  the  game. 

As  has  been  said  before  Jerome  was  not  a  coward, 
whatever  else  he  may  have  been. 

True,  it  did  not  require  the  dashing  soldierly  qualities 
of  a  D'Artagnan  to  advance  upon  a  solitary  sailorman 
who  had  broken  the  rules  of  the  ship  and  pushed  his  in- 
ferior person  upon  the  deck  space  reserved  for  superior 
beings. 

Jerome  solemnly  walked  toward  the  fellow. 

He  noticed  that  the  chap  had  not  stirred  an  inch  all 
this  while,  but  seemed  to  be  awaiting  his  masterly  ap- 
proach. 

Had  the  tables  been  turned,  and  he  been  made  the  sub- 
ject of  the  girl's  mesmeric  power  he  could  not  have  stood 
there  more  rigid. 

Perhaps  he  meant  to  exercise  his  hypnotic  powers  upon 
the  new  arrival. 

Unconsciously  Jerome  braced  himself  against  such  a 
dreadful  influence. 

Again,  it  might  be  fear  that  paralyzed  the  fellow — 
surely,  the  spectacle  of  Jerome  striding  angrily  forward 
was  enough  to  strike  alarm  at  the  heart  of  the  most  valiant 
— so  the  said  Jerome  himself  thought. 

Such  a  thing  as  even  the  glimmer  of  the  truth  had  not 
as  yet  even  dawned  upon  his  benighted  mind — how  was 
it  possible,  when  he  believed  Roderic  to  be  a  thousand 
miles  away? 

The  situation  was  exceedingly  dramatic  when  these  two 
men  faced  each  other,  with  Georgia  hovering  near  by, 
ready  to  invoke  the  god  of  peace  if  matters  grew  too 


ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK.  141 

stormy,  although  her  last  effort  in  that  line,  when  Don 
Porfidio  and  Roderic  crossed  swords  in  the  bungalow 
had  not  been  much  of  a  success. 

"Well,  sir,  what  do  you  mean  by  breaking  the  rules 
and  thrusting  your  unwelcome  company  upon  the  quarter 
deck?  If  Captain  Shackelford  was  made  aware  of  this 
he  would  use  the  cat  over  your  stupid  shoulders,  do  you 
hear?" 

The  sailorman  answered  not. 

This  increased  the  other's  kindling  passion,  for  he  fool- 
ishly believed  his  ferocious  appearance  had  awed  the  man, 
and  that  possibly  he  could  not  reply  because  his  teeth  were 
rattling  together  like  Spanish  castanets. 

He  raised  his  voice  higher. 

"Don't  imagine  I  didn't  see  what  was  going  on.  I  un- 
derstand the  power  you  have  exercised  over  this  young 
lady — the  miserable  hypnotic  influence  you  have  exerted 
to  control  her  actions. 

"And  let  me  tell  you,  fellow,  that  power  ends  from  this 
moment.  Acting  in  the  place  of  her  natural  guardian, 
who  is  unavoidably  detained  below  just  at  present — serv- 
ing in  his  stead  I,  Jerome  Wellington  snap  the  chain  you 
have  dared  to  throw  about  her  sacred  person.  She  is  free 
from  this  hour,  free  from  your  miserable,  devilish  power. 
And  as  for  you,  fellow " 

He  stopped  as  though  not  yet  quite  certain  as  to  the 
extreme  course  of  punishment  that  by  rights  should  be 
meted  out  for  such  a  condign  offense. 

"Well?"  muttered  the  other,  anxious  of  course  to  have 
the  agony  over  with  and  the  worst  known. 

"I  am  inclined  to  amuse  myself  in  kicking  you  off  the 
quarterdeck — perhaps  it  may  have  the  effect  of  also 
scattering  some  of  your  wonderful  magnetic  charms, 


142  ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK. 

since  I  have  heard  that  the  hypnotic  power  is  shattered 
by  a  shock  to  the  seat  of  the  nervous  system." 

These  were  brave  words,  truly,  but  if  the  man  who 
gave  utterance  to  them  expected  the  other  to  show  any 
symptom  of  fear,  he  certainly  counted  without  his  host. 

Perhaps  he  imagined  the  alarmed  sailor  would  put 
up  a  plea  for  mercy,  would  even  drop  on  his  knees  in 
suing  for  pardon. 

Such  a  melo-dramatic  action  would  be  a  rare  spectacle 
for  the  gods — in  order  to  appear  the  more  heroic  in  the 
sight  of  this  fair  girl  Jerome  might  even  have  magnan- 
imously declined  to  carry  on  warfare  when  the  enemy 
sued  for  peace — he  was  a  man  who  never  neglected  an 
opportunity  to  pose  as  a  magnificent  figure  before  femi- 
nine eyes. 

Contrary  to  his  expectation,  however,  the  affair  did 
not  take  on  this  guise. 

Instead  of  showing  the  white  feather  the  enemy  at 
once  hoisted  signals  of  defiance. 

He  began  to  coolly  and  deliberately  roll  back  the  sleeves 
of  his  flannel  shirt. 

The  act  was  intended  for  supreme  scorn — it  meant  that 
he  snapped  his  fingers  contemptuously  in  the  face  of  the 
Adonis — it  meant  that  he  prepared  himself  in  nautical 
language,  to  "resist  boarders." 

There  was  trouble  in  prospect. 

Jerome  had  gone  too  far  to  back  down — he  must  either 
put  his  words  into  execution  or  give  evidence  of  coward- 
ice. 

The  girl,  seeing  how  matters  stood,  now  endeavored 
to  prevent  a  rupture. 

"Senor,  this  is  a  friend  of  mine,  one  I  have  known  a 
long  time.  If  I  choose  to  receive  him  on  the  quarterdeck 


ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK.  143 

that  is  surely  an  affair  to  be  settled  with  my  uncle  and 
the  captain.  I  will  relieve  you  of  any  anxiety  and  re- 
sponsibility, senor,"  she  said,  with  pointed  emphasis. 

"Pardon,  senorita,  but  it  has  already  gone  too  deep  to  be 
dropped.  There  is  an  issue  between  this  a — humble  friend 
of  yours  and  myself,  which  can  only  be  settled  by  an  ap- 
peal to  arms,  not  to  Caesar.  Therefore,  my  fine  fellow, 
look  you  out,  for  I  intend  to  toss  you  down  where  you 
belong,  since  you  have  positively  refused  to  go  there  vol- 
untarily when  I  gave  you  the  chance." 

He  took  a  step  toward  Roderic,  who  calmly  awaited 
for  hostilities  to  begin. 

There  was  good  reason  too  why  the  latter  should  have 
become  nervous  over  the  matter. 

It  was  at  this  juncture  that  several  violent  sneezes 
were  heard  ringing  over  the  vessel,  and  in  this  signal 
Roderic  recognized  a  part  of  Captain  Beven's  design  to 
warn  him  that  he  should  only  be  able  to  detain  the  gentle- 
men a  few  minutes  longer,  so  that  it  might  be  essential 
for  the  lover  to  make  his  farewells  without  further  loss 
of  time,  if  so  be  he  had  been  fortunate  enough  to  find  an 
opportunity  to  see  his  charmer. 

Roderic  however,  was  hardly  in  a  position  to  carry  out 
this  programme. 

Jerome  showed  fight,  and  it  was  really  too  much  to 
expect  a  man  of  Roderic's  character  to  withdraw  in  ig- 
nominious fashion  under  the  very  eyes  he  adored. 

Plainly  he  was  in  for  a  miserable  struggle. 

He  deplored  this  on  several  accounts,  since  it  might 
jeopardise  his  mission,  and  moreover  place  him  in  a  poor 
light  before  Georgia,  for  what  man  desires  to  engage  in 
an  ordinary  brawl  in  the  presence  of  the  being  he  adores. 

There  are  times  however  when  "needs  must  when  the 


144  ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK. 

devil  drives,"  so  that  it  was  not  a  question  of  choice  but 
necessity  with  Roderic. 

About  this  time  the  first  faint  suspicion  broke  in  upon 
Jerome's  mind  to  the  effect  that  things  might  be  other 
than  they  seemed. 

He  had  no  opportunity  to  gather  up  the  fragments 
and  link  them  together  in  a  chain  that  might  reveal  the 
entire  truth — some  invisible  power  flashed  a  little  thought 
into  his  brain — it  may  have  been  the  attitude  assumed 
by  the  sailor  as  though  awaiting  his  attack,  for  there  was 
that  about  it  suggesting  the  trained  athlete  and  not  an 
ordinary  Jack  Tar,  clumsy  with  his  fists. 

At  any  rate  what  did  Jerome  do  as  he  came  close  up 
but  bend  his  head  forward  and  fix  his  steadfast  gaze  upon 
the  other's  face. 

Roderic  had  deemed  his  disguise  secure,  and  so  it  was 
under  all  ordinary  pressure. 

It  had  resisted  curious  glances  from  the  crew  of  the 
blockade  runner,  and  even  Love's  eyes  had  failed  to  pene- 
trate beneath  the"  surface. 

There  is  no  sight  one  half  so  keen  as  that  of  burning 
Hate,  which  seems  capable  of  piercing  all  obstacles  set 
in  the  way. 

So  it  came  home  to  Jerome  with  the  rapidity  of  the 
lightning's  flash,  with  whom  he  had  to  deal. 

No  wonder  the  man's  attitude  seemed  familiar — no 
wonder  he  dared  defy  attack — no  wonder  the  lovely  Porto 
Rican  belle  called  him  her  friend! 

And  the  sudden  knowledge  galled  Jerome. 

Under  it  he  waxed  wroth. 

Baffled  in  his  endeavor  to  secure  Miss  Fairfax  and  her 
millions  because  forsooth  she  chose  to  fall  in  love  with 
this  traveling  agent,  he  was  now  to  be  beaten  in  his  other 


ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK.  145 

little  game  of  occupying  Georgia's  heart  because  Roderic 
had  centered  his  affection  there. 

Ye  gods,  it  was  enough  to  anger  the  coolest  and  most 
diplomatic  of  men,  and  Jerome  could  not  be  blamed  for 
letting  passion  run  away  with  his  better  judgment. 

''So,  it's  you?"  he  grunted,  sneeringly. 

Roderic  knew  his  identity  was  no  longer  a  secret,  and 
that  he  might  as  well  throw  off  the  mask  he  had  assumed. 

All  he  desired  now  was  to  so  conduct  himself  in  her 
presence  that  she  might  find  no  occasion  for  reproach. 

"Yes,  it's  no  other,  Wellington.  How  is  your  health 
these  days?"  he  said,  carelessly,  hoping  the  other  might 
cool  down  and  thus  avoid  friction,  for  if  given  his  own 
way  Roderic  would  have  wished  to  leave  the  steamer 
peaceably,  though  ready  to  do  his  share  in  any  action 
that  might  be  unwisely  precipitated  by  a  hot  headed  an- 
tagonist. 

"Better  than  yours  will  be  presently,"  was  the  sting- 
ing reply  from  Jerome,  who  accompanied  his  words  with 
a  grin  as  though  in  anticipation  he  could  already  see  the 
object  of  his  dislike  receiving  punishment  at  the  hands 
of  stern  old  Captain  Shackelford,  whose  greatest  bete 
noir  was  a  traitor  or  a  spy. 

"What  may  that  remark  mean?"  asked  Roderic. 

"That  you  shall  be  denounced  as  a  spy — that  you  have 
crept  aboard  this  vessel  under  false  colors  to  learn  her 
cargo  and  destination  in  order  that  she  could  be  seized 
by  your  accursed  cruisers  on  the  blockade — that  you  have 
spent  these  days  to  advantage  in  prying  out  these  secrets 
and  should  therefore  suffer  the  usual  fate  of  any  common 
low  spy." 

Roderic  still  preserved  his  temper — perhaps  the  oc- 
casion would  presently  come  when  he  could  repay  these 


146  ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK. 

insults  with  interest — it  might  be  even  closer  than  Jerome 
suspected,  but  for  the  present  his  policy  was  to  keep  the 
peace  just  so  long  as  it  could  be  done  with  honor. 

"You  seem  to  imagine  I  have  been  on  board  during 
the  whole  voyage  ?"  he  remarked. 

"How  could  it  be  otherwise  ?"  demanded  Jerome,  look-^ 
ing  for  some  secret  trap. 

"Because  as  you  happen  to  know,  I  was  left  behind  in 
Dublin  when  the  Sterling  Castle  left  the  harbor  at  Kings- 
town— because  I  have  come  on  board  to-night  with  Cap- 
tain Beven,  who  so  royally  entertained  you  in  the  cabin 
just  now,  at  the  expense  of  myself  and  my  Cousin  Cleo, 
the  owner  of  the  steam  yacht  Beven  commands.  As  to  my 
motive  in  boarding  your  boat,  I  am  not  ashamed  to  admit 
it  to  you,  sir — it  was  to  see  and  converse  with  this  lady, 
who  holds  the  first  place  in  my  heart,  and!  whom  God 
willing,  I  expect  some  day  to  claim  as  my  wife.  That  is 
all,  sir." 

It  should  have  been  enough. 

Had  Jerome  been  as  sensible  in  this  game  as  he  had 
proven  himself  in  various  others  he  must  have  realized 
that  this  determined,  act  of  Roderic  took  him  once  and  for 
all  out  of  the  chase  for  the  Fairfax  millions  and  virtually 
left  the  field  to  him. 

But  something  had  occurred  to  make  a  change  in  the 
schemer's  plan  of  campaign — he  was  not  as  hot  after  those 
millions  just  now  as  he  had  been  in  the  past. 

Truth  to  tell  a  face  had  bewitched  him  and  even  the 
elegant  Don  Juan  found  his  Waterloo  in  the  daughter 
of  Porto  Rico — yes,  he  had  to  admit  the  stinging  fact  that 
after  playing  at  love  all  these  years  he  was  now  actually 
smitten. 

"You  are  mistaken,  Owen,  that  is  not  all.     I  have  seri- 


ADONIS  ON  A  NEW  TACK.  147 

ous  doubts  concerning  the  truth  of  your  story — I  rather 
imagine  you  are  bent  on  killing  two  birds  with  one  stone, 
and  intended  learning  all  about  this  boat — that  your  seek- 
ing an  audience  with  the  senorita" — bowing  in  her  direc- 
tion— "was  but  an  afterthought.  However,  it  does  not 
matter.  I  have  aji  unpleasant  duty  to  perform." 

"Indeed !     What  might  that  be  ?" 

"Arresting  you,  and  taking  you  before  the  captain 
charged  with  being  a  spy." 

"You  wouldn't  try  that,  Wellington?" 

"Oh!   I  wouldn't — perhaps  you  doubt  my  ability?" 

"I  simply  warn  you  against  it.  I  should  hate  to  offer 
violence  in  the  presence  of  a  lady — " 

"Don't  mind  me,  Senor  Roderic — you  have  my  permis- 
sion to  defend  yourself  even  if  by  so  doing  you  are  com- 
pelled to  spoil  the  gentleman  beau's  classic  features!" 
cried  the  little  senorita,  ready  to  display  her  colors. 

"That  settles  it — will  you  come  with  me  peaceably  or 
forcibly?"  demanded  the  enraged  Jerome,  stretching  out 
a  powerful  arm. 

"Neither,  thanks,"  replied  Roderic,  stepping  back. 

"Then  here's  at  you  for  keeps,"  and  Wellington 
plunged  forward  with  impetuous  zeal. 

Senorita  Georgia  had  great  faith  in  the  individual 
prowess  of  her  betrothed,  whom  she  had  seen  come  out 
victor  in  other  affairs,  yet  Jerome  was  no  stripling,  and 
besides,  assistance  for  him  might  arrive  at  any  moment — 
so  she  stood  behind  the  barricade  of  steamer  chairs  and 
fervently  besought  the  Virgin  to  favor  the  cause  of  the 
brave  man  she  loved. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT. 

POSSIBLY  Jerome  Wellington  had  made  a  study  of  the 
tactics  employed  so  successfully  by  the  great  and  famous 
general  whose  name  he  bore  with  so  little  lustre. 

At  any  rate  he  believed  in  a  quick  and  masterly  attack, 
whereby  the  enemy  might  be  demoralized,  providing  said 
enemy  chanced  to  be  inferior  to  him  in  power  or  endur- 
ance. 

Roderic  did  not  deceive  himself  with  any  false  hope  that 
the  game  was  not  worth  the  candle,  nor  that  his  opponent 
intended  only  a  gigantic  bluff.  He  had  prepared  for  busi- 
ness, and  meant  to  be  in  the  game  from  start  to  finish. 

Besides,  deep  down  in  his  heart  he  realized  that  the 
handsome  Adonis  had  been  playing  his  cards  with  the  idea 
of  centering  the  affections  of  the  charming  Georgia  upon 
himself,  and  this  alone  was  a  positive  crime  in  the  eyes  of 
the  man  who  lived  only  to  win  her  for  his  own. 

That  rampant  spark  of  jealousy  has  much  to  account 
for  in  this  world — kingdoms  have  fallen,  principalities 
been  sacked,  and  countless  homes  been  broken  up  because 
of  it ;  while  on  the  other  hand  it  has  urged  men  to  great 
and  noble  deeds  in  order  to  win  in  the  game  of  hearts. 

Roderic,  therefore,  rather  enjoyed  the  prospect  of  a  lit- 
tle bout  with  this  dashing  cavalier  whom  he  had  once 
called  his  friend — he  believed  it  would  do  him  a  world  of 
good  to  embrace  Jerome — he  had  more  than  once  sus- 
pected that  the  modern  Beau  Brummel  was  guilty  of  the 

148 

J 


A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT.  149 

awful  crime — in  a  gentleman — of  wearing  stays-  inside  his 
coat,  so  that  he  might  appear  more  military  in  his  figure ; 
and  the  opportunity  was  at  hand  to  ascertain  the  truth. 

Thus  he  stretched  out  his  arms  and  took  the  man  who 
leaped  forward,  to  his  heart. 

Such  an  embrace  as  he  gave  the  Adonis — Georgia 
thought  she  heard  his  ribs  crack  under  the  anaconda-like 
strain,  and  his  tongue  certainly  did  protrude  from  between 
his  teeth. 

Again  Captain  Beven's  accommodating  sneeze  sounded 
like  a  trumpet  through  the  vessel. 

It  was  the  last  call — the  little  party  was  in  the  act  of 
leaving  the  cabin — he  had  exhausted  all  his  resources  in 
the  endeavor  to  hold  them  back  a  while  longer. 

Roderic  was  hardly  in  a  condition  to  carry  out  his  part 
of  the  programme,  nor  did  he  care  very  much,  now  that 
his  secret  had  been  juggled  with,  and  the  truth  must  be 
made  known  to  all. 

First  Jerome  should  be  attended  to. 

His  ardor  had  really  run  away  with  his  usual  discre- 
tion— it  must  be  cooled  off,  and  Roderic  for  one  knew  a 
means  of  accomplishing  the  same. 

Time  was  a  factor  in  his  calculations  also,  since  at  any 
moment  General  Porfidio  and  the  others  were  apt  to  ap- 
pear on  the  scene. 

The  little  De  Brabant  had  ceased  uttering  confused 
prayers  to  the  Virgin  for  her  lover's  safety,  since  he  had 
thus  speedily  reduced  the  blustering  hero  to  a  state  of 
"innocuous  desuetude" — she  was  now  more  deeply  con- 
cerned in  the  manner  whereby  the  said  Senor  Roderic  was 
to  free  himself  from  the  incubus  that  held  on  with  such  a 
tenacious  grip. 

"Drop  him  over  the  rail,  amigo — a  bath,  give  the  hand- 


150  A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT. 

some  Adonis  a  bath — it  will  surely  be  good  for  his  com- 
plexion. The  rail  Senor  Roderic — it  is  close  at  your  hand 
and  so  convenient.  Besides,  better  such  a  soft  fall  than 
broken  bones  on  the  lower  deck !" 

Thus  she  cried  in  her  excitement,  modulating  her  voice 
until  it  was  hardly  more  than  a  tense  whisper. 

And  Owen  knew  it  was  not  so  much  resentment 
against  Jerome  for  his  persistent  attentions  as  the  eager 
desire  to  serve  the  man  she  adored,  that  actuated  her 
course. 

The  voices  of  the  gentlemen  could  be  plainly  heard  as 
they  emerged  from  the  chart  room  and  sauntered  toward 
the  side  of  the  steamer  where  Beven  had  left  his  yawl — 
no  doubt  the  visitor  was  still  cracking  some  of  his  old 
chestnut  jokes,  for  the  laughter  of  Don  Porfidio  bubbled 
over  almost  continually — besides;  that  champagne  had 
been  very  extra  dry. 

At  any  rate  the  suggestion  advanced  by  Georgia  coin- 
cided with  Roderic's  own  views  on  the  subject. 

Perhaps  Jerome,  had  he  been  given  a  voice  in  the  mat- 
ter, as  the  party  most  interested,  might  have  strenuously 
objected — baths  he  liked,  indeed,  was  very  partial  to,  in 
their  proper  season,  but  to  be  thus  unceremoniously  tum- 
bled from  the  deck  of  a  steamer  into  the  briny  deep,  with 
his  most  elaborate  evening  garments  on  his  person  was 
really  too  much  of  a  good  thing,  and  he  must  have  pro- 
tested earnestly  could  he  but  have  found  wind  with  which 
to  clothe  his  argument. 

That  luxury  was  in  a  great  measure  denied  him,  and 
the  best  he  could  do  was  to  make  a  feeble  kick  against  the 
decision  of  the  fair  court  being  carried  into  execution. 

It  counted  for  nought. 

The  American  having  started  could  hardly  be  restrained 


A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT.  151 

— once  the  match  is  applied  to  a  train  of  powder  it  is 
difficult  to  prevent  the  fire  from  running  its  entire  length. 

So  Jerome  was  dragged  ignobly  over  the  deck  to  the 
rail,  past  the  beauty  who  had  ordered  his  ducking — he  en- 
deavored to  so  wind  himself  about  the  affections  and  also 
the  limbs  of  his  intended  executioner  that  the  latter  would 
have  to  change  his  desperate  plans  or  else  take  the  plunge 
in  his  delectable  company;  but  Roderic  knew  a  trick  or 
two  that  might  be  used  with  profit  under  such  conditions, 
and  he  readily  broke  the  hold  of  the  desperate  and  van- 
quished beau. 

Then  came  the  finish. 

Wellington  took  a  tumble. 

He  exhausted  what  breath  he  chanced  to  have  in  his 
lungs  with  one  awful  whoop  as  he  went  plunging  down, 
arms  and  legs  outspread  after  the  manner  of  a  gigantic 
frog. 

Perhaps  he  found  some  satisfaction  in  the  fact  that  he 
made  the  greatest  splash  ever  known  in  that  lovely  har- 
bor, a  splash  that  would  go  down  in  the  annals  of  the 
Azores  as  beyond  all  precedent,  and  which  suddenly 
quelled  the  merry  laughter,  together  with  sounds  of  music 
that  had  floated  across  the  bay. 

It  is  worth  considerable  to  excel  in  something,  even  if 
it  is  only  a  ducking. 

Roderic  had  crossed  the  Rubicon. 

He  knew  his  summary  treatment  of  the  Adonis  would 
create  tremendous  excitement  on  board  the  blockade  run- 
ner. 

There  were  English  sailors  in  charge  and  these  men 
could  not  be  treated  with  the  same  measure  of  scorn  that 
he  might  have  bestowed  had  they  one  and  all  been  Span- 
iards. 


152  A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT. 

Nevertheless  Roderic  was  far  from  being  panic-stricken 
in  any  sense. 

He  had  no  sooner  dropped  Jerome  over  the  rail  than  he 
turned  to  Georgia,  and  as  the  noise  of  the  splash  still 
sounded,  said  grimly: 

"He  has  been  disposed  of  as  you  suggested,  sweetheart. 
Let  us  hope  the  temperature  of  the  water  will  be  sufficient 
to  cool  his  ardor." 

"But  you  must  fly — sanctissima!  they  will  harm,  per- 
haps murder  you,  and  I  should  never  forgive  myself  for 
having  been  the  cause.  Go,  Senor  Roderic,  go  with  all 
haste !"  she  exclaimed,  her  hands  on  his  arm,  her  lustrous 
midnight  orbs  glowing  as  they  filled  with  intense  excite- 
ment. 

The  man  either  had  a  contempt  for  the  peril  that 
threatened  or  else  hardly  grasped  its  serious  nature — at 
least  he  showed  a  recklessness  in  dealing  with  the  situa- 
tion that  might  possibly  have  been  expected  when  the  fact 
of  his  having  Irish  blood  in  his  veins  was  taken  into  con- 
sideration, for  seldom  have  Ireland's  sons  been  in  battle 
without  leading  some  forlorn  hope  in  the  van. 

"Not  until  you  tell  me  again  that  you  love  me,"  he  de- 
clared, eagerly. 

Some  men  would  have  called  him  a  fool,  but  evidently 
they  could  never  have  adored  a  woman — to  the  man  who 
loves,  all  else  gives  way  before  his  passion. 

So  nature  has  constituted  him. 

"You  already  know  it,"  she  said,  quickly,  endeavoring 
to  push  him  towards  the  ladder,  and  even  her  eagerness  to 
insure  his  safety  was  a  source  of  deep  satisfaction  to  the 
lover. 

"But  I  must  hear  you  say  it — consider,  weeks  may 
elapse  before  I  see  you  again  and  I  shall  be  exposed  to  all 


A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT.  153 

manner  of  danger.  Tell  me,"  he  insisted  with  a  deter- 
mination nothing  could  move  but  acquiescence. 

Perhaps  there  was  one  particular  danger  in  her  mind 
that  would  hover  over  him  constantly,  and  against  which 
she  in  her  innocent,  loving  heart  prayed  that  he  might  be 
delivered — Cleo. 

However,  she  realized  that  he  would  accept  no  half  way 
compromise. 

The  sailors  on  board  were  shouting  and  running  to  the 
rail  to  ascertain  what  species  of  porpoise  or  shark  kicked 
up  such  a  fiendish  racket  alongside  their  vessel,  for  the 
wretched  Jerome,  unable  to  shout,  and  actually  half 
strangled,  was  threshing  the  water  like  a  young  steam 
engine  in  the  endeavor  to  keep  himself  afloat  and  frighten 
away  the  voracious  monsters  of  the  deep. 

"Carramba!  foolish  man  to  risk  so  much  for  a  woman's 
word.  Know  then  that  I  do  love  you. with  all  my  heart 
and  soul — the  good  Father  above  preserve  you,  for  me !" 

It  was  all  he  asked. 

He  snatched  one  burning  kiss  and  then  with  a  hasty 
"adieu,  beloved,"  sprang  to  the  ladder. 

It  was  time. 

The  ship  was  heaving  with  commotion. 

Had  the  startling  cry  of  "fire,"  always  dreaded  above 
all  else  at  sea,  been  sounded  aboard  the  blockade  runner, 
loaded  as  she  was  with  much  ammunition,  it  could  hardly 
have  created  greater  excitement  than  now  reigned. 

Roderic  remained  quite  cool,  which  was  an  advantage 
to  the  success  of  his  venture. 

Garbed  as  he  was  as  a  sailor  any  one  might  have  taken 
him  for  one  of  the  crew  hastening  to  his  station,  since 
the  boatswain's  shrill  whistle  had  called  the  sailormen  to 
man  one  of  the  boats. 


154  A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT. 

It  was  easy  enough  work  dropping  down  the  ladder, 
but  as  some  one  chanced  to  be  ascending  it  at  the  same 
time  an  unavoidable  collision  ensued. 

Consequently  Roderic  and  the  unknown  came  to  the 
lower  deck  in  a  bunch,  and  being  above,  the  American 
found  a  comfortable  lodging  place  on  the  body  of  his 
confrere. 

He  did  not  linger. 

One  ejaculatory  Spanish  swear  word  from  the  ascend- 
ing figure  as  he  swooped  down  upon  him  gave  Roderic  a 
pretty  good  idea  as  to  his  identity. 

Wretched  Roblado,  fated  to  again  endure  all  the  flings 
of  outrageous  fortune  at  the  hands  of  the  man  from  over 
the  sea ! 

Roderic  halted  not  neither  to  assist  the  damaged  Span- 
iard to  arise  nor  to  offer  apologies  for  such  unceremonious 
conduct. 

At  such  times  men  cannot  be  particular  as  to  their 
modus  operandi  in  conducting  their  retreat — the  end  justi- 
fies the  means. 

Happily  he  had  not  been  at  all  injured  by  the  fall. 

He  heard  an  anxious  exclamation  skyward  and  had  a 
glimpse  of  Georgia  looking  over  the  edge  of  the  upper 
deck. 

It  was  just  like  the  man  to  wave  his  hand  and  even 
kiss  his  fingers  to  the  girl  ere  resuming  his  course  toward 
the  spot  where  in  all  probability  Captain  Beven  anxiously* 
awaited  his  coming. 

A  splash  announced  the  launching  of  a  boat. 

It  was  fortunately  on  the  other  side  of  the  steamer, 
since  Jerome  had  gone  over  to  port. 

Even  such  a  small  matter  might  count  in  the  end, 
should  pursuit  be  inaugurated  when  Wellington  was  res- 


A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT.  155 

cued  and  managed  to  regain  enough  breath  to  splutter  out 
the  facts. 

At  any  rate  Roderic  made  a  note  of  this  point  which  was 
all  the  more  singular  because  he  had  other  fish  to  fry  just 
then. 

Fortunately  no  one  attempted  to  stay  his  flight — for- 
tunately for  them  perhaps,  as  well  as  his  own  success,  for 
Roderic  was  just  in  the  humor  to  handle  any  interference 
roughly. 

What  he  had  just  passed  through  had  the  effect  of 
arousing  the  lion  that  lay  beneath  the  surface  in  his  na- 
ture, and  he  was  in  a  condition  to  do  more  than  his 
share  of  battle. 

Passing  the  groups  of  sailors  hurrying  to  the  rail,  he 
crossed  the  deck  to  where  he  believed  Beven  awaited 
him,  for  a  glimpse  of  one  or  more  figures  in  this  quarter 
announced  that  it  was  not  deserted. 

To  his  surprise  he  saw  two  men. 

Captain  Beven  had  company,  and  Roderic  at  first 
glance  guessed  the  identity  of  that  tall  figure. 

It  was  Don  Porfidio. 

He  had  walked  with  the  captain  to  where  his  yawl 
awaited,  instead  of  proceeding  to  the  quarter  deck;  and 
now  he  was  also  able  to  resist  the  tempation  to  rush  across 
to  the  other  rail  in  order  to  gratify  his  natural  curiosity. 

It  meant  something. 

Don  Porfidio  had  somehow  guessed  the  truth,  or  been 
let  in  on  the  ground  floor  by  Beven. 

Was  it  war,  or  peace  ? 

Roderic  should  have  disliked  the  job  exceedingly  had 
he  been  compelled  to  administer  any  sort  of  drubbing  to 
his  excellency  the  good  and  gruff  don,  but  nevertheless 
had  the  fates  demanded  it  he  must  *  have  obeyed  the  call 
to  duty. 


156  A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT. 

On  the  whole,  therefore,  he  was  well  pleased  when  the 
big  Porto  Rican  soldier  suddenly  thrust  out  his  hand,  say- 
ing: 

"For  Dios!  I  honor  a  brave  man  who  risks  much  to 
see  one  he  loves.  Senor  Owen,  success  to  you !" 

Roderic  took  the  hand  that  was  offered — he  had  much 
respect  for  this  patriot  and  veteran. 

"Thank  you,  senor,"  he  replied. 

"All  is  well?" 

"Delightfully  so." 

"Cospita!  good.  And  pray,  what  is  the  cause  of  all 
that  wonderful  splashing  yonder  ?"  asked  the  don,  as-  if 
suspecting  that  the  Yankee  knew. 

Roderic,  already  in  the  act  of  following  Captain  Beven 
down  the  rope  ladder  that  stretched  to  the  yawl  below 
paused  long  enough  to  look  up  at  the  general,  and  laugh- 
ing say: 

"Ask  Jerome !" 

"Aha!  it  is  as  I  thought — ask  Jerome — undoubtedly 
Senor  Wellington  has  met  his  Waterloo." 

But  Owen  had  already  dropped  down  the  side  of  the 
blockade  runner  and  into  the  boat. 

Hardly  had  he  gained  the  yawl  than  Beven,  who  was 
in  the  stern  sheets  said  huskily : 

"Push  off,  and  away.  Pull  like  tigers,  my  hearties,  for 
unless  all  signs  fail  we  may  have  a  chase  before  we  reach 
the  yacht." 

The  men  needed  no  urging. 

Once  clear  of  the  steamer  and  they  began  to  ply  their 
ashen  blades  with  an  energy  that  sent  the  little  boat  fly- 
ing through  the  water. 

It  was  a  period  of  suspense. 

Roderic  kept  his  eyes  fastened  upon  the  stern  of  the 


A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT.  157 

steamer,  for  in  this  quarter  would  the  pursuit  be  inau- 
gurated, should  one  follow. 

The  shouts  had  ceased. 

An  ominous  silence  seemed  to  rest  upon  the  scene. 

All  depended  upon  whether  the  wretched  Jerome,  upon 
being  rescued  from  the  bay,  was  in  a  state  to  disclose  what 
he  knew,  and  the  readiness  that  bold  Captain  Shackelford 
would  show  in  following  up  the  clue  thus  given. 

And  as  he  looked,  too  soon  he  saw  the  boat  shoot  into 
view  propelled  by  sturdy  arms. 

"Faster !"  cried  Beven  at  the  same  moment. 

There  were  six  pair  of  English  arms  against  two,  but 
the  little  yawl  was  light  and  trimly  built,  so  the  chances 
seemed  pretty  evenly  divided. 

Roderic  surveyed  the  chase  as  calmly  and  critically  as 
though  it  were  a  college  regatta,  with  an  ordinary  loving 
cup  as  the  stake  instead  of  his  own  liberty,  perhaps  his 
life. 

"Captain,  we  shall  make  it,"  he  said,  quietly. 

"Undoubtedly,"  replied  laconic  Beven,  whose  practiced 
eye  had  also  measured  the  distance  yet  to  be  traversed, 
and  the  slow  if  steady  gain  made  by  their  pursuers. 

"Steady,  boys,  do  your  level  best,"  he  added,  and  the 
sturdy  tars  grunted  as  they  strained  at  the  oars  until  the 
veins  stood  out  like  whip  cords  on  their  brows. 

Meanwhile  from  the  pursuing  craft  came  a  variety  of 
oaths  and  exclamations  characteristic  of  the  bold  adven- 
turer Shackelford,  and  by  means  of  which  he  doubtless 
expected  to  secure  better  work  from  his  toiling  men ;  while 
Jerome,  having  recovered  his  tongue,  and  boiling  over 
with  rage,  joined  his  shrill  voice  to  that  of  the  captain, 
promising  fabulous  rewards — which  he  would  doubtless 
pay  in  notes  if  called  upon — should  they  overhaul  the  will- 
o'-the-wisp  boat  that  tauntingly  kept  just  so  far  ahead. 


158  A  CHASE  TO  THE  YACHT. 

It  was  quite  exciting  while  it  lasted. 

This  romantic  harbor  in  the  peaceful  Azores  had  seldom 
known  a  more  remarkable  scene. 

Pity  it  was  the  darkness  robbed  those  who  might  have 
enjoyed  the  spectacle,  of  such  a  rare  sight. 

The  steam  yacht  was  now  close  at  hand  and  while  those 
who  pursued  still  kept  up  their  mad  pace  it  must  have 
been  painfully  evident  to  them  that  the  chase  was  hopeless. 

Perhaps  the  daring  spirit  who  led  them  on  had  desper- 
ate designs  of  boarding  the  yacht  and  dragging  away  the 
object  of  their  vindictive  spleen. 

Captain  Beven  was  holding  the  tiller  ropes  and  under 
his  skillful  guidance  the  yawl  turned  the  yacht's  stern, 
coming  up  alongside. 

Instantly  a  hand  clutched  the  painter. 

"Aboard  with  you !"  called  the  skipper. 

Roderic  was  the  first  to  spring  on  deck,  but  the  others 
were  at  his  heels. 

To  sight  the  oncoming  boat  was  now  their  design,  and 
accordingly  they  leaped  across  the  deck,  believing  Shack- 
elford  would  head  direct  for  that  nearer  quarter. 

Nor  were  they  mistaken  in  this  surmise,  for  as  they 
reached  the  rail  the  boat  from  the  blockade  runner  shot 
under  them  and  hauled  up  alongside. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT. 

SHACKELFORD  was  a  daring  spirit,  one  of  those  Britons 
who  have  carried  the  flag  into  remote  passes  of  the  Indian 
border,  and  whom  the  desperate  fortunes  of  war  never 
daunt. 

He  had  doubtless  led  charges  into  the  jaws  of  death, 
and  passed  through  adventures  enough  to  fill  volumes. 

In  this  case  however,  it  was  Tartar  against  Tartar — 
British  bulldog  vs.  British  mastiff.  When  he  rubbed  up 
against  such  men  as  Beven  and  Roderic  Owen,  he  met 
those  who  were  of  his  own  calibre,  and  should  the  affair 
come  to  blows  it  promised  to  be  a  pretty  sight. 

When  our  friends  reached  the  side  of  the  yacht,  the 
sailors  were  already  there,  at  least  those  on  deck;  and 
some  signal  must  have  been  given  below  as  the  boats  ap- 
proached, for  the  watch  off  duty  was  tumbling  out  quite 
ignorant  as  to  what  might  be  required  of  them,  but  ready, 
like  all  seamen  of  their  nationality  to  do  their  duty  with 
vigor. 

"Hold  off — our  orders  are  not  to  receive  visitors  after 
ten  o'clock !"  cried  Beven,  as  he  saw  Shackelford  rise  to 
his  feet. 

"We  mean  to  come  aboard,"  said  that  worthy. 

"Then  you  go  back  quicker  than  you  come." 

"Beven,  I  am  surprised." 

"At  what?" 

"Your  deceiving  us." 

159 


160  CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT. 

"Nonsense,  my  visit  was  in  good  faith." 

"You  came  with  a  secret  object  in  view — you  kept  us 
engaged  below  while  your  confederate  examined  our  ves- 
sel." 

"It  was  prime  champagne,  Shack." 

"Granted,  but" — and  here  he  relieved  himself  by  a  tre- 
mendous expletive,  "why  did  you  put  that  spy  aboard  of 
us?" 

"In  the  first  place  Mr.  Owen  is  no  spy.  He  cares  little 
or  nothing  what  cargo  you  carry,  but  he  is  deeply  inter- 
ested in  petticoats — your  young  lady  is  his  betrothed,  and 
he  vowed  he  would  go  with  me  on  board  just  to  see  her. 
Shackelford,  that's  a  man  after  your  own  heart." 

And  Shackelford,  realizing  the  truth  of  this  point  blank 
assertion  could  only  growl. 

"Interrupted  in  his  tete  a  tete  with  the  young  lady  by 
your  gentleman  there,  they  had  words,  being  rivals,  and 
it  resulted  in  Mr.  Owen  tossing  the  elegant  Adonis  over- 
board. Shack,  that  is  just  what  you  would  have  done, 
confound  you." 

Shackelford  could  not  deny  it. 

Really  Captain  Beven  should  have  been  a  lawyer,  since 
he  knew  so  well  how  to  draw  the  fire  of  his  adversary, 
and  leave  him  not  a  foot  upon  which  to  stand. 

"For  you  to  force  your  way  to  the  deck  of  my  craft 
under  these  conditions  I  should  consider  a  high  act  of 
piracy  and  I  assure  you  my  men  stand  here  ready  to  back 
me  up  in  all  I  do.  Is  it  so,  men  ?" 

A  hearty  "ay,  ay  sir"  came  ringing  from  the  crew. 

"Now  Captain  Shackelford,  if  you  choose  to  board  me 
you  do  so  at  your  own  risk.  There  be  English  arms  and 
hearts  here  just  as  stanch  as  your  own.  Come  by  day- 
light and  by  Heavens  I  will  receive  you  as  an  honored 


CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT.  l6l 

guest — yes,  and  open  another  basket  of  champagne  for 
the  occasion ;  but  I  beg  of  you  let  discretion  play  the  part 
of  valor  now." 

Shackelford  knew  he  held  a  weak  hand — that  any  at- 
tempt to  board  this  craft  flying  the  British  jack  and  drag 
from  her  deck  a  subject  of  the  United  States  foreign 
diplomatic  service  would  not  only  embroil  him  in  present 
difficulties  and  probably  result  in  a  broken  head,  but 
future  results  promised  to  make  things  exceedingly  lively 
for  him. 

Great  Britain  was  going  out  of  her  way  to  bring  about 
an  era  of  good  feeling  between  America  and  the  mother 
country — she  had  shown  in  many  matters  how  sincere  her 
sympathies  were  and  that  blood  was  thicker  than  water. 

Hence,  he  might  expect  severe  handling  from  the  legal 
and  military  authorities  of  both  countries. 

Although  Bob  Shackelford  had  always  been  accounted 
pretty  much  of  a  dare  devil  he  really  drew  the  line  at 
throwing  his  gauntlet  into  the  ring  and  sending  a  defiance 
to  two  nations — that  would  probably  be  a  little  too  strong 
for  his  blood. 

Here  was  a  chance  to  draw  out  with  honor. 

Shackelford  accepted  the  olive  branch. 

"Well,  Beven,  you  put  the  matter  pretty  strongly,  and 
I  am  inclined  to  yield.  Give  me  your  solemn  pledge  that 
this  gentleman  boarded  us  as  a  lover  and  not  as  a  spy, 
and,"  here  he  expressed  himself  very  forcibly  in  the  genu- 
ine Shackelford  style — "I'll  draw  off  and  spare  you  the 
gore  of  battle  that  must  come  when  Greek  meets  Greek." 

"I  give  you  that  pledge,"  replied  Beven,  readily. 

"Why  did  he  go  in  disguise  then?"  was  the  final  query 
from  the  other,  who  had  not  as  yet  grasped  the  full  sig- 
nificance of  affairs. 


1 62  CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT. 

"Because  he  had  enemies  on  board  yonder  boat — you 
carry  Spaniards,  and  his  country  is  at  war  with  Spain. 
They  want  him  badly,  and  he  is  no  fool.  Captain,  I  am 
under  obligations  for  your  courtesy.  Come  and  see  me 
to-morrow  and  I'll  keep  my  promise." 

Shackelford  smacked  his  lips. 

"By  Jove !  I'll  try  and  oblige  you,  my  boy,"  he  declared, 
enthusiastically,  as  he  dropped  down  upon  the  thwart. 

The  incident  was  closed. 

There  would  be  no  broken  heads,  no  old  time  boarding 
of  the  craft,  no  hot  time  in  the  harbor  that  night. 

Reason  had  resumed  her  sway,  pushing  valor  and  blind 
passion  into  the  background. 

One  there  was  whom  disappointment  cut  to  the  quick. 

A  figure  arose  in  the  boat,  a  bedraggled  figure,  with  one 
arm  of  his  evening  coat  almost  divorced  from  its  moorings 
on  account  of  the  vigor  shown  by  the  British  tars  in  drag- 
ging the  owner  aboard — a  figure  that  was  just  the  op- 
posite of  the  usually  dandified  Jerome,  the  pink  of  neat- 
ness, the  epitome  of  current  style. 

"What,"  he  ejaculated,  "you  decline  to  go  aboard  and 
drag  the  fellow  away  ?  I  am  astonished  beyond  measure 
— I  did  not  expect  this  of  you,  Captain  Bob." 

"Well,  I'm  satisfied  with  the  explanation  given.  If  you 
still  object,  sir,  we'll  hold  the  boat  here  and  let  you  go 
aboard  and  get  him.  Of  course  you'd  have  to  shoulder 
the  whole  responsibility — " 

"Pull  away,"  muttered  Jerome,  suddenly  dropping  back 
to  his  seat  and  endeavoring  to  look  as  small  as  possible. 
Roderic  guessed  the  reason. 

The  Adonis  had  discovered  that  he  was  the  cynosure  of 
bright  eyes  from  the  cabin — all  this  excitement  had  not 
passed  without  arousing  Cleo  and  Miss  Becky — the 


CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT.  163 

former  had  not  really  retired  at  all,  but  awaited  her 
cousin's  return  from  his  mission  of  love — perhaps  her 
earnest  prayers  had  followed  him,  even  to  the  arms  of  her 
successful  rival. 

The  blockade  runner's  boat  shot  quickly  over  the  dark- 
ened water  toward  the  lights  that  indicated  the  spot  where 
the  steamer  was  anchored. 

Thus  the  coast  was  again  clear. 

Captain  Beven  turned  and  shook  Roderic's  hand. 

He  was  bubbling  over  with  suppressed  laughter. 

"Congratulations,  sir,  over  your  success.  A  miss  is  as 
good  as  a  mile,  they  say,"  he  declared. 

"Ah !"  remarked  the  satisfied  lover,  "in  this  case  it  is  a 
senorita,  and  she  is  worth  many  miles.  My  thanks  are 
due  to  you,  captain,  for  the  able  assistance  given.  May 
all  our  future  plans  be  founded  on  as  firm  a  basis." 

"Amen,"  said  Beven,  solemnly. 

He  was  thinking  of  that  basket  of  very  Extra  Dry,  and 
the  taste  still  lingered  as  though  its  memory  would  haunt 
him  for  many  a  day. 

For  once  he  stood  ready  to  immolate  his  comfort  on  the 
altar  of  friendship  every  night,  providing  the  emolument 
came  in  such  pleasant  fashion. 

They  chatted  a  short  time,  and  generally  upon  the  sub- 
ject mostly  in  evidence. 

Bevens  was  naturally  curious  to  hear  how  the  Adonis, 
who  was  no  milk  and  water  warrior  himself,  came  to  take 
such  a  fearful  plunge  into  the  bay. 

He  could  give  a  shrewd  guess  that  the  act  had  not  been 
a  voluntary  one  on  his  part,  and  desired  to  hear  what 
share  Roderic  had  in  it. 

This  was  soon  told  in  the  most  matter  of  fact  fashion 
by  the  modest  young  man — indeed,  one  might  almost 


164  CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT. 

imagine  from  his  manner  of  putting  it  that  Jerome  had 
fallen  overboard  instead  of  being  tossed  there. 

Bevens  knew  how  to  put  his  own  construction  on  the 
incident,  and  could  guess  just  what  his  principal  had  done. 

Roderic  was  really  unfitted  for  sleep  after  such  an  hour 
of  intense  excitement,  and  thought  he  would  walk  the 
quarterdeck  for  a  time  until  his  pipe  had  soothed  the  ex- 
cited nerves  and  brought  him  to  a  condition  where  slum- 
ber might  be  possible. 

He  had  not  been  back  and  forth  a  dozen  times  ere  a 
girlish  figure  joined  him. 

Of  course  it  was  Cousin  Cleo,  who  desired  to  share  his 
walk  and  mayhap  his  confidence,  even  though  what  he 
might  relate  would  cut  keenly. 

The  moth  will  persist  in  fluttering  about  the  bright 
flame  of  the  candle  even  after  its  wings  are  slightly  singed. 

Silly  moth — wicked  candle ! 

And  yet  the  world  goes  on,  new  moths  come  and  the 
same  old  story  with  variations,  is  repeated. 

Roderic  professed  to  be  displeased  at  the  idea  of  Cleo 
coming  up  to  join  him  in  this  midnight  tramp. 

Secretly  the  man  was  delighted,  for  he  felt  the  human 
desire  to  confide  his  hopes  and  fears  in  a  sympathetic  ear, 
and  though  he  would  rather  it  had  been  some  one  else 
than  Cleo,  still,  she  knew  much  of  his  love  affairs,  and 
had  promised  to  be  a  sister  to  him — he  would  be  egotisti- 
cal and  foolish  to  ever  believe  that  she  cared  for  him  other 
than  a  dear  sister  might. 

"My  dear  cousin,  why  do  you  come  on  deck — don't  you 
know  that  at  this  hour  in  this  semi-tropical  climate  the 
dew  is  falling,  and  it  is  very  unhealthy  for  one  to  be  ex- 
posed to  the  night  air  ?" 

She  laughed  in  his  face. 


CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT.  165 

"Well,  you  are  to  blame.  I  should  have  been  in  my 
little  bunk  and  probably  far  away  in  the  Land  of  Nod  had 
you  been  content  to  remain  aboard  and  not  start  out  on  a 
very  Quixotic  errand.  But  I  am  only  joking,  Roderic. 
You  have  met  with  adventures,  of  that  I  am  sure  from 
what  I  saw  and  heard.  Poor  Jerome  has  once  more 
crossed  your  path  and  found  it  one  of  thorns.  Now,  you 
must  tell  me  all  that  happened,  do  you  hear,  Sir  Galahad  ?" 

A  little  hand  slipped  through  his  arm,  and  Roderic 
found  himself  obliged  to  surrender. 

So,  as  they  walked  up  and  down  he  told  the  story  of 
what  had  occurred ;  several  times  they  paused  at  the  rail 
to  look  at  the  riding  lights  that  marked  the  position  of  the 
blockade  runner,  and  while  one  sighed  in  rapturous  satis- 
faction at  the  thought  of  the  beauty  aboard  the  Sterling 
Castle,  the  other  experienced  quite  a  different  emotion. 

Cleo  asked  questions,  and  seemed  bound  to  know  all,  so 
he  felt  compelled  to  tell  her. 

Her  interest  in  Georgia  grew  with  each  passing  day, 
and  strange  to  say  the  yearning  to  meet  and  know  this 
daughter  of  the  tropics  became  an  absorbing  dream — she 
felt  as  though  destiny  drew  their  life  lines  in  the  same 
channel,  these  two  who  both  loved  Roderic  Owen. 

Perhaps  he  was  wise  enough  to  refrain  from  entering 
into  minute  particulars  when  describing  the  interview 
with  Georgia — even  men  head  over  heels  m  love  are  given 
a  small  amount  of  common  sense  on  occasions  of  this  kind. 

Finally  Roderic  persuaded  her  to  retire. 

The  hour  was  late  and  he  himself  now  confessed  to 
drowsiness. 

By  this  time  the  town  had  given  up  its  mad  merriment 
— gone  were  many  of  the  lights  and  the  music  of  the  band 
had  long  since  ceased  to  be  a  factor  in  the  mighty  drama. 


1 66  'CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT. 

Even  in  the  romantic  Azores  men  must  take  a  portion 
of  the  night  for  sleep — it  cannot  be  given  wholly  over  to 
song  and  amusement. 

Captain  Bevens  was  a  wary  old  sea  dog. 

He  believed  an  ounce  of  prevention  to  be  much  better 
than  a  pound  of  cure. 

There  was  no  danger  in  sight,  and  probably  it  would  be 
an  act  of  madness  on  Shackelford's  part  to  attempt  to 
board  the  steam  yacht  under  cover  of  darkness  and  secure 
the  person  of  the  man  who  had  been  aboard  the  blockade 
runner  in  disguise. 

All  the  same,  chances  or  not,  Bevens  did  not  intend  to 
neglect  any  precaution,  for  he  was  a  man  who  did  not  be- 
lieve in  being  caught  napping. 

To  shut  the  door  after  the  horse  was  stolen  might  be 
good  policy  with  some  men,  but  his  idea  lay  in  securing  it 
ere  this  event  happened. 

Before  retiring  Roderic  had  an  interview  with  the  cap- 
tain, and  learned  that  worthy's  views. 

Then  he  sought  his  little  stateroom. 

As  fortune  would  have  it  he  was  situated  on  that  side  of 
the  boat  nearer  the  steamer,  and  from  either  one  of  the 
bulls-eye  openings  he  could  see  the  uncertain  dark  mass 
that  told  just  where  the  blockade  runner  lay,  as  well  as 
her  twinkling  riding  lights  which  must  be  kept  burning 
the  livelong  night  in  order  to  prevent  accident  should 
arriving  vessels  enter  the  snug  harbor. 

And  Roderic  stood  there  a  long  time,  his  eyes  fixed 
upon  the  inchoate  outlines  of  the  Sterling  Castle,  as  one 
might  gaze  upon  a  vessel  that  bore  his  fate. 

Many  thoughts  occupied  his  mind — he  lived  over  again 
the  past  with  its  joys  and  sorrows,  and  even  attempted 
to  raise  the  veil  of  the  future  to  see  whether  it  held  a 


CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT.  167 

gleam  of  Paradise;  but  this  must  all  remain  surmise  and 
uncertainty,  since  it  is  not  given  to  mortal  vision  to  see 
beyond  the  present. 

The  night  passed  without  an  alarm. 

Evidently  Shackelford  was  a  man  of  discretion  as  well 
as  astonishing  boldness,  for  there  is  such  a  thing  as  unit- 
ing the  two  qualities. 

Roderic  aroused  early  enough. 

The  morning  had  just  broken  and  the  glowing  eye  of 
old  Phoebus  was  glancing  above  the  horizon  when  he  pro- 
ceeded to  dress. 

This  operation  had  been  about  completed  when,  by 
chance  of  course,  he  looked  out  of  the  port  hole  to  see  just 
how  far  they  were  from  the  steamer,  since  darkness  had 
been  upon  land  and  water  during  the  little  drama  of  the 
preceding  night. 

To  his  surprise  he  failed  to  behold  the  object  of  his 
solicitude. 

He  rubbed  his  eyes  and  looked  again — surely  he  must 
be  dreaming,  or  else  with  a  change  of  tide  the  steam  yacht 
had  headed  another  way,  cutting  him  off  from  the  view 
he  had  before  obtained. 

And  yet,  so  far  as  he  could  tell  his  lookout  still  faced 
the  town  and  port,  and  he  could  swear  the  blockade  runner 
should  lie  between. 

Mayhap  Shackelford  had  taken  his  craft  in  to  a  dock 
for  some  purpose. 

Roderic  snatched  up  his  marine  glasses  and  scanned  the 
shore  line. 

There  was  only  disappointment  awaiting  him. 

The  yellow  and  black  funnel  of  the  Sterling  Castle  was 
conspicuous  only  by  its  absence. 

One  chance  remained — that  the  steamer  had  changed 
her  anchorage. 


1 68  CAPTAIN  BOB  GUESSES  NOT. 

He  hurriedly  completed  his  toilet  and  rushed  on  deck. 

A  sweeping  glance  around  told  the  story,  for  the  block- 
ade runner  was  no  longer  in  the  harbor. 

Captain  Bevens  saluted  from  a  point  forward  and  beck- 
oned him  to  approach. 

"Looking  for  the  steamer — left  port  an  hour  or  more 
before  crack  of  dawn — yonder  she  goes,  headed  straight 
for  the  Antilles." 

Following  the  captain's  extended  finger  Roderic  saw  the 
smoke  of  a  steamer  hanging  on  the  horizon.  Somehow 
his  heart  gave  a  leap  after  it,  for  the  girl  he  adored  was 
aboard  the  vanishing  Craft. 

"When  do  we  follow,  captain?"  he  asked,  composedly. 

"Within  six  hours  at  the  latest,"  was  the  reply  and 
when  that  time  had  expired  they  too  were  moving  over 
the  trackless  Atlantic  headed  due  south  west. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN. 

UPON  a  stormy  night,  when  the  moon  was  utterly  con- 
cealed by  dark  ragged  masses  of  clouds  that  rolled  up 
from  the  south  in  serried  columns  like  an  army  advancing 
to  battle,  Roderic  viewed  the  prospect  from  the  deck  of  the 
Dreadnaught  with  the  philosophical  coolness  that  seemed 
a  part  of  his  nature ;  and  yet  he  knew  what  one  of  these 
summer  storms  in  the  tropics  meant  as  well  as  any  man. 

It  came  in  an  unfortunate  time,  just  when  they  prayed 
for  fair  weather,  since  it  was  Roderic's  design  to  be  put 
ashore  on  the  coast  of  Porto  Rico  not  many  miles  from 
San  Juan,  before  the  little  steam  yacht  entered  the  forti- 
fied harbor. 

The  situation  had  been  carefully  studied  by  Owen,  and 
his  plans  altered  to  conform  to  the  new  arrangement  of 
affairs. 

There  was  a  pretty  good  chance  that  the  Sterling  Cas- 
tle would  put  into  San  Juan  ere  attempting  to  run  the 
Havana  blockade. 

In  fact  this  was  almost  a  certainty,  since  she  carried  as 
passengers  those  who  were  desirous  of  landing  on  Porto 
Rico  soil. 

This  being  the  case  it  was  reasonable  to  suppose  that 
Jerome  and  his  Spanish  allies  would  take  advantage  of 
the  first  opportunity  to  warn  the  officials  at  the  capital  re- 
garding the  presence  of  a  Yankee  secret  agent  on  board 
Cleo's  yacht ;  and  that  the  entry  of  the  Dreadnaught  into 

169 


170  THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN. 

the  fortified  harbor  where  Admiral  Sampson's  guns  had 
played  havoc  earlier  in  the  game  would  open  a  system  of 
annoying  espionage,  even  if  it  did  not  result  in  a  bold 
search  for  the  spy. 

There  was  one  way  to  avoid  this. 

He  must  go  ashore  secretly  and  enter  San  Juan  by  the 
backdoor. 

His  acquaintance  with  the  city  and  its  surroundings 
.would  serve  him  in  good  stead,  as  must  also  his  knowl- 
edge of  the  Spanish  character  and  language. 

Roderic  had  his  bold  plans  all  arranged  and  was  there- 
fore a  little  annoyed  when  fickle  Nature  threatened  to  in- 
terfere with  their  smooth  sailing.  If  the  tropical  storm 
had  only  held  off  another  hour  all  would  have  been  serene. 

They  had  had  glimpses  of  Porto  Rico's  fair  shores 
during  the  last  few  hours,  and  Roderic  might  have  landed 
in  comfort. 

Two  things  restrained  him — the  lack  of  suitable  trans- 
portation facilities  to  the  capital,  and  the  presence  of 
Spanish  soldiers  scattered  along  the  shore,  and  revealed 
through  the  glasses. 

Night  was  absolutely  necessary  for  the  successful  car- 
rying out  of  his  plans,  and  even  then  there  had  been  dan- 
ger from  discovery  on  account  of  the  moon. 

The  storm  obviated  this,  while  it  bred  new  perils  of  its 
own. 

Roderic  decided  to  risk  it. 

Delay  meant  more  danger  for  Cleo,  since  every  hour 
spent  upon  that  coast  in  a  gale  of  wind,  during  the  hurri- 
cane season  of  the  year  was  tempting  Providence. 

Once  he  was  off  their  hands  he  could  run  away  from 
the  coast  or  else  make  for  the  shelter  of  San  Juan  harbor, 
which  would  surely  not  be  refused  any  friendly  craft  on 
such  a  wretched  night. 


THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN.  If  I 

So  Roderic  made  all  his  preparations  and  transformed 
himself  into  a  dark  visaged  Spaniard. 

Cleo  looked  him  over  carefully,  and  tried  her  best  to 
appear  satisfied,  though  there  was  a  haunting  gleam  of 
dread  in  her  blue  eyes,  and  her  lips  trembled,  despite  all 
attempts  to  show  a  resolute  front. 

She  knew  what  risks  he  was  taking  for  his  country. 

The  same  bold  spirit  that  influenced  Hobson  and  Blue 
and  Wainwright  in  their  desperate  ventures  grew  rampant 
in  Roderic  Owen's  breast — a  strong  desire  to  strike  a  blow 
for  his  beloved  flag,  to  cripple  the  power  of  the  proud 
Spaniard  and  hasten  the  day  of  his  final  departure  from 
the  Western  Hemisphere. 

Captain  Bevens  had  anchored  his  craft  and  now  came  to 
announce  the  boat  in  readiness  that  was  to  take  him 
ashore. 

Roderic  took  his  cousin's  hand  in  both  his  own. 

"Your  pure  heart  will  pray  for  me  I  know.  It  is  a 
greater  satisfaction  to  me  than  words  can  tell.  Remem- 
ber what  I  promised  of  San  Juan.  We  will,  God  willing, 
soon  meet  again.  As  your  cousin,  your  brother,  dear 
Cleo,  allow  me  a  brother's  loving  privilege." 

He  kissed  her  farewell. 

Nor  as  he  turned  hastily  to  follow  Bevens  to  the  wait- 
ing boat,  did  he  see  the  glowing  flush  that  instantly  suf- 
fused her  face,  to  as  rapidly  vanish,  leaving  her  deathly 
pale  and  trembling  like  an  aspen  leaf. 

The  ride  ashore  was  exhilarating  to  say  the  lesat. 

Great  waves  rolled  on  the  beach,  and  none  but  practical, 
experienced  seamen  could  have  managed  so  light  a  yawl 
without  disaster. 

But  Roderic  had  no  fear — he  knew  what  these  trained 
muscles  could  do. 


172  THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN. 

Several  times  they  seemed  threatened  with  dire  dis- 
aster, but  on  each  occasion  the  second  officer's  judgment 
in  manipulating  the  boat  averted  destruction. 

Thus  the  cockle  shell  craft  entered  the  white  crested 
breakers,  where  they  surged  upon  the  shore  with  a  roar 
like  unto  that  of  thunder. 

This  was  the  most  interesting  moment  of  all,  as  riding 
one  of  the  rollers  they  rushed  in  Jike  a  race  horse  on  the 
home  stretch. 

Then  Roderic  saw  the  palm  trees  against  the  sky  line 
almost  overhead,  and  he  knew  they  were  almost  ashore. 

A  grating  sound  under  their  keel  announced  the 
receding  of  the  billow. 

Instantly  every  sailor  leaped  overboard,  up  to  his  knees 
in  salt  water,  and  the  boat  thus  lightened  was  run  ashore. 

And  in  this  manner  Roderic  Owen  once  again  found 
himself  on  Spanish  soil — two  years  had  passed  since  in 
anger  he  had  kicked  the  dust  of  Porto  Rico  from  his 
shoes,  and  registered  a  solemn  vow  never  to  tread  its 
shores  again  while  his  good  sense  remained. 

This  occurred  to  him  now  as  a  very  grim  joke,  for  here 
he  was  once  more  landed  on  that  same  fated  soil ;  and 
what  was  even  more  singular  as  fully  bent  as  ever  upon 
his  chase  after  beauty. 

Time  alters  many  cases,  resolutions  fade  with  age,  and 
circumstances  govern  our  actions  to  a  remarkable  degree. 

Of  course  it  was  absolutely  necessary  that  the  second 
officer  and  his  men  should  return  to  the  yacht  without 
delay. 

Roderic  squeezed  the  bold  fellows  by  the  hand  and 
watched  them  launch  their  boat  through  the  surf. 

Twice  they  were  driven  back. 

It  was  a  ticklish  job. 


THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN.  173 

Such  men  could  not  be  daunted  by  difficulties,  even 
when  out  of  the  common,  so  they  made  a  still  more  reso- 
lute attempt. 

The  third  trial  was  a  grand  success — sturdy  British 
muscle  had  conquered  over  the  forces  of  Nature,  and 
Roderic  knew  they  were  off. 

He  waited  and  watched  until  he  saw  a  light  flash  up 
three  times  far  out  on  the  stormy  waters,  which  was  the 
signal  agreed  upon  to  announce  the  safe  return  of  the 
yawl. 

Then  with  a  sigh  he  turned  away. 

His  business  was  now  to  enter  San  Juan. 

It  must  prove  one  that  would  necessitate  great  caution 
and  considerable  endurance  on  his  part,  for  since  the  bom- 
bardment of  the  ports  by  the  American  fleet  as  a  bluff  in- 
tended to  disclose  the  presence  of  Cervera's  squadron  in 
West  India  waters  the  Spanish  authorities  had  taken 
extraordinary  precautions  to  guard  every  avenue  of  ap- 
proach to  the  capital. 

Roderic  did  not  doubt  his  ability  to  enter  without  dis- 
covery— he  had  not  frequented  the  cafes,  the  Spanish 
Club,  and  taken  many  horseback  rides  through  the  sub- 
urbs of  San  Juan  in  company  with  Georgia  without  gain- 
ing a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  ground  that  promised  to 
be  of  great  advantage  to  him  now. 

Putting  his  best  foot  forward  he  soon  struck  a  military 
road  over  which  he  had  spun  many  times  behind  a  good 
horse. 

He  could  in  an  hour's  time  catch  glimpses  of  the  many 
lights  that  marked  the  city. 

The  sight  caused  him-  considerable  satisfaction,  for  he 
knew  destiny  had  in  store  for  him  events  of  considerable 
importance  connected  with  San  Juan. 


174  THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN. 

And  doubtless  she  was  there — that  simple  fact  had  in  rt 
the  elements  calculated  to  thrill  his  very  heart  to  its  core. 

About  this  time  there  arose  features  connected  with 
the  case  that  temporarily  drove  these  sweet  reflections  out 
of  his  head. 

They  were  of  a  most  disagreeable  nature. 

It  began  to  rain. 

This  might  signify  a  drizzle  in  a  more  northern  clime, 
but  such  a  thing  is  almost  unknown  in  Porto  Rico. 

When  the  clouds  open  there  it  means  a  deluge. 

The  boys  in  blue  who  were  in  the  trenches  at  Santiago 
could  tell  some  pretty  tall  stories  of  tropical  downpours, 
and  how  in  the  rainy  season  a  cloud  appearing  no  larger 
than  one's  hat  can  spread  over  all  the  sky  and  fairly  soak 
the  earth. 

Roderic  had  anticipated  this — indeed,  his  preparations 
had  been  made  with  just  such  a  ducking  in  prospect. 

He  took  his  medicine  in  a  philosophical  spirit  such  as 
only  a  traveler  in  many  strange  lands  learns  to  cultivate. 

Every  step  brought  him  nearer  the  city,  and  once  he  was 
soaked  through  it  was  impossible  to  become  any  wetter,  so 
why  complain  ? 

Besides,  this  deluge  might  serve  to  his  advantage,  since 
in  all  probability  the  guards  stationed  along  the  military 
road  would  naturally  seek  refuge  in  their  shelter  huts, 
and  leave  the  way  clear. 

This  was  what  actually  occurred. 

Spanish  system  lacks  many  sterling  elements  that  make 
the  German  and  British  armies  so  thorough  in  their  duties. 

Roderic  after  a  miserable  tramp  through  mud  and  water 
finally  brought  up  at  the  city  gates  an  hour  before  mid- 
night. 

There  he  met  with  an  apparent  obstacle,  since  in  Moor- 


THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN.  175 

ish  fashion  no  one  was  allowed  to  find  ingress  or  egress 
during  the  period  between  sunset  and  sunrise. 

This  he  had  been  aware  of  ere  landing,  and  all  his  plans 
were  shaped  with  an  utter  disregard  for  the  edict  of  the 
governor-general. 

Avoiding  the  gates  discreetly  he  made  his  way  along 
the  dilapidated  wall  that  marked  what  had  once  been  the 
land  defense  of  the  city. 

It  was  now  in  decay,  like  many  other  antiquated  battle- 
ments connected  with  Spain's  possessions  throughout  the 
world — relics  of  byegone  days  when  muzzle  loading  guns 
marked  the  highest  epoch  in  the  art  of  war. 

Of  course  this  guarding  of  the  gates  was  more  or  less  of 
a  big  sham,  since  the  people  of  San  Juan  could  go  and 
come  in  scores  of  other  places. 

And  Roderic  remembered  this  fact. 

When  by  turning  this  way  and  that  he  finally  sur- 
mounted the  difficulty,  and  found  himself  among  the 
houses  near  the  barracks  of  the  troops  in  the  eastern 
end  of  the  city,  he  felt  as  though  he  deserved  congratula- 
tions on  account  of  his  good  generalship. 

Still  this  was  but  a  beginning,  one  step  in  the  long  and 
difficult  ladder  he  had  laid  out  to  climb.  It  could  only  be 
ascended  a  single  round  at  a  time,  but  he  had  really  made 
a  good  start. 

He  found  himself  in  a  portion  of  San  Juan  which  he 
had  really  never  looked  upon  under  similar  conditions, 
the  quarter  where  the  poorer  element  herded,  where 
houses  were  thronged  with  black  and  white,  Spaniards, 
and  reconcentradoes  of  Porto  Rico  who  endeavored  to  re- 
main neutral,  negroes  from  Jamaica  and  Hayti  and  a  mon- 
grel population. 

Seldom  even  in  the  rainy  season  does  such  a  down- 


176  THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN. 

pour  come  at  night — they  look  for  it  in  the  afternoon, 
when  it  cools  the  sultry  atmosphere  and  with  the  sea 
breeze  renders  the  evening  delightfully  refreshing. 

Just  then  the  streets  were  swimming  in  water,  and  al- 
most practically  deserted — even  the  dolorous  cry  of  the 
"dulce"  vendors  had  ceased  to  echo  along  the  narrow 
thoroughfares. 

But  the  cafes  and  concert  halls  and  shops  appeared  to  be 
doing  a  land  office  business  to  judge  from  the  crowds  that 
had  collected. 

Roderic's  one  desire  now  was  to  reach  a  little  den  just 
off  the  breathing  place  for  the  poor,  known  as  the  Plaza 
Cristobal  Colon  in  honor  of  Columbus. 

Here  he  believed  he  would  find  the  opportunity  he 
craved  for  rest,  and  a  chance  to  dry  his  reeking  garments, 
under  the  humble  roof  of  a  devoted  friend. 

Two  years  had  passed  since  last  he  had  seen  this  party, 
and  two  years  is  a  long  time — much  may  occur  during 
such  a  period — people  change  their  residence  mayhap  their 
country,  and  sometimes  even  die. 

Still  he  was  ready  to  take  the  chances. 

No  one  halted  him  as  he  pushed  on,  and  yet  these  nar- 
row, illy  lighted  streets  could  not  be  reckoned  the  safest 
places  in  the  city  for  respectable  people  to  walk  after  a 
certain  hour. 

One  thing' he  noticed — San  Juan  was  full  of  Spanish 
soldiers.  He  could  see  them  prowling  everywhere,  and 
each  crowd  within  the  cafes  and  halls  had  its  quota  of 
these  small  sized  swarthy  faced,  boyish  looking  exiles 
from  sunny  Spain. 

"They  evidently  mean  to  give  the  Yankees  a  warm  re- 
ception when  the  time  comes,"  was  what  he  concluded 
upon  noting  this  important  fact. 


THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN.  177 

The  point  was  well  taken — it  was  one  that  would  prove 
of  considerable  importance  to  General  Miles,  who  had 
already  landed  on  the  southern  coast  with  his  army  of 
Americans,  and  was  beginning  to  advance  upon  Ponce 
and  the  neighboring  towns. 

After  being  compelled  to  retrace  his  steps  several  times, 
on  account  of  getting  off  the  track,  confused  by  the  nar- 
row calles  that  seemed  to  have  no  beginning  and  ended 
nowhere,  Roderic  at  length  broke  out  upon  an  open  place 
where  the  rain  beat  upon  stone  flagging,  and  trees  moaned 
dolefully  in  the  fierce  gusts  of  wind. 

Despite  its  funereal  aspect  now  he  recognized  this  as 
the  Plaza  Cristobal  Colon,  and  was  able  to  take  his  bear- 
ings afresh. 

"Thank  Heaven,  I  am  near  the  end  of  my  night's  pil- 
grimage," he  muttered  in  Spanish,  for  he  had  determined 
to  even  do  his  thinking  in  that  language  while  within  the 
enemy's  lines,  so  that  the  danger  of  discovery  might  be 
reduced  to  a  minimum,  for  if  Jerome,  Roblado  et  al  were 
in  San  Juan  he  was  well  aware  of  the  fact  that  hundreds 
of  keen  eyes  belonging  to  the  Guardia  Civil  would  be  on 
the  lookout  for  one  Roderic  Owen,  and  that  discovery 
would  be  a  serious  matter  for  him. 

It  was  really  time  his  wanderings  ceased  for  this  night 
at  least — he  had  covered  miles  of  ground,  he  had  faced  a 
raging  storm  that  at  times  almost  brought  him  to  his 
knees,  he  was  soaked  through  and  through,  and  beginning 
to  feel  weak  in  his  limbs. 

But  relief  was  close  at  hand. 

The  hardest  part  of  his  mission  he  believed  had  already 
been  passed  over. 

At  least,  in  all  probability  he  would  be  able  to  conduct 
the  remainder  of  his  work  with  a  dry  skin — he  might  not 


178  THE  INVASION  OF  SAN  JUAN. 

see  another  deluge  in  the  early  night  during  his  whole  stay 
in  San  Juan. 

He  fervently  hoped  so,  at  least. 

Crossing  the  public  square  he  dodged  into  a  certain 
dingy  and  crooked  lane  that  took  him  to  the  most  desolate 
and  God  forsaken  locality  within  the  city  walls. 

There  are  such  places  in  Paris,  London,  New  Yotk — 
why  not  in  San  Juan  ? 

All  cities,  whether  of  ancient  Babylonian  days  or  of  the 
present  enlightened  age  have  had  their  plague  spots  as 
well  as  their  palatial  quarters,  and  so  it  must  be  while 
rich  and  poor  go  hand  in  hand,  down  to  the  end  of  time. 

Only  in  San  Juan  the  squalor  seemed  to  be  a  little  more 
pronounced  than  anything  Roderic  could  imagine  outside 
of  Havana,  where  the  wretched  reconcentradoes  were  dy- 
ing of  hunger  by  thousands. 

The  war  was  partly  to  blame,  he  knew — that  and  the 
natural  savage  instinct  which  prevails  so  strongly  among 
Spanish  speaking  people,  and  induces  them  to  always  go 
to  extremes,  whether  in  love  or  conflict. 

Picking  his  way  along  in  this  delectable  neighborhood 
Roderic  finally  gave  utterance  to  an  eager  exclamation — 
his  eyes  had  fallen  upon  the  little  whitewashed  cabin  for 
which  he  had  been  on  the  qui  vive. 

Another  moment  and  his  fist  was  beating  a  tattoo  upon 
the  door,  a  summons  that  was  loud  enough  to  arouse  the 
dead — from  within  a  movement  was  heard,  and  then  the 
door  opened  cautiously  a  few  inches.  Roderic  uttered 
some  talismanic  words  in  Spanish  that  brought  a  delighted 
exclamation  from  the  hut's  occupant — a  brown  hand 
reached  out  and  when  the  door  closed  it  shut  out  the  awful 
clamor  of  the  storm,  for  the  Yankee  had  found  a  warm 
reception  within  the  walls  of  old  San  Juan. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD. 

PORTO  Rico  as  a  territory  of  the  progressive  American 
republic  will  soon  be  transformed — while  advancing  with 
giant  strides  along  the  material  road  that  may  lead  to 
statehood,  the  island  must  gradually  lose  those  pictur- 
esque and  distinctly  national  features  that  have  marked 
Spanish  rule  for  centuries. 

Never  again  will  San  Juan  be  the  same  gay,  careless, 
pleasure  seeking  capital  of  the  past — the  business  loving, 
bustling  Yankee  shopkeeper  banishes  such  folly,  or  at 
best  makes  it  play  second  fiddle  to  his  trading. 

San  Juan  will  be  swept  and  garnished,  her  streets  paved, 
her  narrowest  colics  lighted,  and  within  a  few  years  she 
may  vie  even  with  Boston  in  regard  to  the  conditions  that 
make  life  worth  living  to  the  average  American. 

But  the  halo  of  romance  and  the  worship  of  military 
heroes  that  has  been  her  portion  during  these  long  cen- 
turies— alas !  they  have  fled,  to  return  no  more. 

Many  will  sigh  as  they  raise  the  curtain  of  the  past,  and 
take  one  more  peep  at  the  gay  bright  scene  stamped  upon 
memory's  tablets. 

There  is  a  peculiar  fascination  about  Spanish  and 
Oriental  cities,  a  barbaric  splendor  that  attracts  the  eye, 
even  while  our  common  sense  tells  us  of  its  tawdry  nature. 

Many  have  described  the  San  Juan  of  the  past,  and  as  a 
picture  that  has  been  turned  to  the  wall,  let  us  for  the  last 
time  see  the  Porto  Rican  capital  through  the  glasses  of  a 


l8o        THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD. 

clever  newspaperman,  whose  pen  paints  its  colors  just  as 
might  the  faithful  camera.  This  was  as  Roderic  saw  it 
the  day  after  his  safe  entry  into  the  town : 

San  Juan  wakes  early. 

By  seven  o'clock  the  shops  are  open,  and  a  stirring  of 
wide  shutters  in  the  upper  stories  of  the  houses  shows  that 
even  the  women  are  about.  Hundreds  of  men  are  having 
their  coffee  in  the  cafes.  Probably  a  band  is  playing 
somewhere,  which  means  a  detachment  of  troops  return- 
ing from  early  mass  in  the  Cathedral. 

By  ten  o'clock  this  early  activity  has  worn  itself  out. 
The  sun  has  got  well  up  into  the  sky,  white  and  hot.  It 
falls  in  the  narrow,  unshaded  streets,  and  the  cobblestones 
begin  to  scorch  through  thin  shoe  soles.  It  is  a  time  to 
seek  the  shade  and  quaff  cooling  drinks.  Business  lan- 
guishes. About  eleven  shop  shutters  begin  to  go  up,  and 
soon  the  streets  are  as  deserted  as  at  midnight. 

This  is  breakfast  hour,  and  until  well  after  noon  not  a 
shop  or  public  building  will  be  found  open.  About  one  or 
two,  whether  the  siesta  is  long  or  short,  people  begin  to 
reappear  and  the  shops  reopen.  Gradually  traffic  revives. 
By  four  o'clock,  when  the  Palais  de  Justice  has  cast  its 
cooling  shadow  over  half  the  blazing  plaza,  loungers  be- 
gin to  appear  to  occupy  the  numerous  benches  and  blink 
idly  at  the  guards  about  the  gloomy  Palais  entrance.  With 
each  passing  hour  the  city  presents  a  livelier  appearance, 
until  at  six  o'clock  it  is  fully  awake  and  ready  for  dinner, 
the  principal  meal  of  the  day. 

In  the  evening  is  when  the  inhabitants  of  San  Juan 
really  live.  These  are  the  pleasant  hours  of  the  day.  From 
the  sea  comes  a  breeze,  cool  and  fresh,  to  whisper  to  the 
few  shade  trees  in  the  plazas  and  revive  enervated  hu- 
manity. Twice  a  week  one  of  the  military  bands  plays  in 


THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD.        l8l 

the  principal  plaza.  Then  it  is  worth  while  to  go,  hire  a 
comfortable  arm  chair  from  a  muchacho  for  ten  centavos 
in  Puerto  Rican  silver  and  sit  and  observe  and  listen. 

These  military  bands — there  are  three  stationed  in  San 
Juan — are  equal  to  Sousa  or  Herbert  on  a  considerably 
smaller  scale.  They  play  beautifully  voluptuous  airs  of 
sunny  Spain,  the  strains  swelling  and  quickening  until 
they  entice  an  answer  in  the  livened  step  and  uncon- 
sciously swaying  bodies  of  hundreds  of  promenaders; 
then  slowly  dying  to  a  sweet,  soft  breath,  borne  to  the  ear 
from  distant  guitars  and  mandolins.  Italian,  French  and 
German  composers  are  not  neglected,  while  occasionally 
there  will  come  a  spirited  bit  from  some  modern  light 
opera,  or  even  a  snatch  from  a  topical  song  of  the  day. 

On  band  nights  San  Juan  may  be  seen  at  her  best.  The 
concerts  begin  at  eight  o'clock.  Prior  to  that  hour  the 
private  soldiers  are  permitted  the  liberty  of  the  plaza,  and 
hundreds  avail  themselves  of  the  opportunity  for  an  air- 
ing. At  eight  they  must  retire  to  their  barracks,  leaving 
the  plaza  to  the  officers. 

The  music  racks  are  set  at  one  end  of  the  plaza,  and  the 
musicians  stand  during  the  two  hours  of  the  concert.  By 
the  time  the  second  number  on  the  programme  is  reached 
the  plaza  is  thronged  with  the  wealth,  beauty  and  fashion 
of  the  Puerto  Rican  capital.  A  row  of  gas  street  lamps, 
thickly  set,  encircles  the  Plaza,  while  at  each  end  rise  iron 
towers,  upon  which  are  supported  electric  arc  lights. 

All  the  houses  surrounding  the  plaza  are  illuminated, 
their  bright  coloring  and  Eastern  architecture  giving  an 
Oriental  effect.  The  balconies — every  house  has  a  bal- 
cony— are  filled  with  gaily  dressed  women  and  officers, 
and  through  open  windows  glimpses  of  richly  furnished 
interiors  can  be  obtained.  On  the  street  level,  the  Grand 


182        THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD. 

Central  and  other  cafes,  the  Spanish  Club  and  a  dozen 
brilliantly  lighted  drug  stores  and  shops  help  flood  the 
plaza  with  light  and  lend  life  and  gayety  to  the  scene. 

The  throng  is  characteristic  of  San  Juan  of  to-day — of 
the  San  Juan  which  will  soon  cease  to  exist.  There  are 
Spanish  officers,  hundreds  of  them,  clad  in  an  immense 
variety  of  uniform — to  use  a  perfectly  truthful  paradox. 

There  are  officers  of  the  Guardia  Civil,  in  dark  blue 
suits  and  caps,  their  cuffs  red  and  gold,  the  rank  indicated 
by  eight  pointed  stars,  and  with  small  spurs  sticking  out 
from  under  the  long  trousers. 

There  are  officers  of  the  line,  usually  in  light  or  indigo 
blue,  sometimes  with  broad  stripes  along  the  trousers  and 
with  cuffs  and  facings  of  green,  red,  blue  or  black,  accord- 
ing to  the  branch  of  the  service,  their  rank  indicated  by 
gold  and  silver  stars  on  the  sleeve  above  the  cuff.  These 
wear  tall  white  caps,  with  gilt  bands.  There  are  naval 
officers,  in  dark  blue  uniforms  of  distinctly  seafaring  cut 
and  without  colored  facings. 

All  the  officers  wear  some  kind  of  sword  invariably, 
usually  during  the  day-  the  regulation  sabre,  and  at  night 
substituting  a  slender  rapier  with  a  cross  hilt.  They  also 
carry  walking  sticks  with  silver  and  gold  heads,  accord- 
ing to  rank. 

As  they  mingle  with  the  crowd,  walking  together  in 
groups,  now  bowing  to  some  passing  female  acquaintance 
or  turning  to  promenade  with  her,  they  unconsciously 
dominate  the  entire  assemblage  and  give  to  it  an  indelible 
imprint  of  Spain.  Plainly  they  are  favorites  with  the 
women,  who  receive  their  polite  attentions  graciously. 

And  the  women.  They  are  out  in  force,  dressed  in  the 
latest  fashions  of  Madrid  and  Paris.  Here  and  there 
some  gentleman  walks  with  his  wife  and  family,  but  usu- 


THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD.        183 

ally  the  women  promenade  alone  until  joined  by  male  ac- 
quaintances. A  group  of  girls  will  be  accompanied  by  a 
duenna,  who  keeps  discreetly  in  the  background  if  any 
men  approach.  Often,  however,  two  or  more  senoritas 
will  promenade  entirely  alone,  with  a  freedom  which 
would  be  considered  unbecoming  in  the  United  States. 

This  is  one  of  the  occasions  when  rigorous  Spanish 
etiquette  is  somewhat  relaxed  and  the  unmarried  women 
enjoy  a  fleeting  glimpse  of  social  freedom.  So  the  crowd, 
constantly  swelling,  until  progress  is  almost  impossible, 
moves  in  a  circle  back  and  forth  along  the  length  of  the 
plaza.  Mingling  with  it  are  scores  of  police,  in  their 
bright  uniforms,  who  seem  to  have  no  business  there  ex- 
cept to  accentuate  the  crush,  and  hundreds  of  civilians  in 
their  best  dress.  And  so  it  goes,  until  the  concert  ends. 
The  band,  preceded  by  an  escort  of  cavalry,  marches  away 
to  a  wonderfully  quick  quickstep,  the  lights  fade  and 
slowly  the  crowd  disperses  through  the  shadowy  streets. 

Not  all  San  Juan,  however,  is  to  be  seen  in  the  grand 
plaza.  Only  fashionable  and  official  life  centralizes  there. 
In  other  sections  of  the  city  the  evenings  pass  differently. 
Take  a  stroll  from  the  brilliantly  lighted  plaza  into  the 
eastern  part  of  the  town,  near  the  barracks. 

There  the  whole  lower  strata  will  be  found  in  the  nar- 
row, badly  lighted  streets,  or  in  the  plaza  Cristobal  Colon 
and  the  smaller  breathing  places  of  the  densely  populated 
city. 

Here  hand  organs  and  dirty  wandering  minstrels,  who 
perform  semi-barbaric  music  upon  cracked  guitars  and 
raspy  mandolins,  accompanied  by  the  "guero" — a  native 
instrument  made  of  a  gourd — furnish  the  music. 

Venders  of  dulce  squat  beside  their  trays  of  sweetmeat, 
dolorously  crying  their  wares.  Non-commissioned  offi- 


184       THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD. 

cers  and  privates  mingle  with  the  people  and  chat  with  the 
women.  Everybody  smokes  cigarettes,  even  children 
hardly  able  to  toddle.  The  shops  and  meaner  cafes  are 
open  and  crowded. 

Further  no  one  can  wander  through  streets  more  nar- 
row and  darker  than  alleys  to  where  the  massive  gray  bat- 
tlements of  the  ancient  city  walls  lift  their  sombre,  jagged 
towers  to  greet  the  moon. 

Inquisitive  sentinels,  Mauser  rifle  in  hand,  walk  here  to 
turn  intruders  back,  but  by  exercising  discretion  glimpses 
may  be  obtained  of  tiny  balconies  ensconced  in  nooks  and 
crannies  high  up  in  the  wall  and  overlooking  the  sea  and 
the  twinkling  city.  Perhaps  a  peep  may  be  had  into  the 
odd  habitations  within,  with  dusky  senoritas  gazing  out 
through  a  curtain  of  flowers  and  vines.  This  is  a  differ- 
ent San  Juan  from  that  which  promenades  in  the  plaza: 
but  not  less  interesting. 

All  this  Roderic  Owen  saw,  nor  was  it  the  first  time  he 
had  wandered  through  the  streets  and  byeways  of  the 
strange  old  city. 

How  vividly  these  scenes  brought  back  to  his  mind  the 
days  and  nights  of  the  past,  when  he  had  lived  in  a  glow 
of  love's  young  dream — still,  why  need  he  sigh— the  ex- 
perience through  which  he  had  passed,  bitter  though  it  had 
been,  must  have  taught  him  a  lesson,  and  since  Love  had 
again  taken  up  an  abode  in  his  heart,  he  could  profit  by 
it  to  forever  debar  the  little  demon  Jealousy  from  enter- 
ing this  holiest  of  holies. 

He  wandered  over  the  whole  city. 

He  even  found  means  to  enter  some  of  the  forts  that 
frowned  so  ferociously,  and  yet  were  but  hollow  mock- 
eries, mounting  few  modern  guns. 

Here  were  evidences  still  of  the  damage  inflicted  by 


THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD.         185 

Sampson's  fleet  many  weeks  before — Spanish  dilatory  tac- 
tics had  allowed  dismounted  guns  to  lie  where  they  had 
fallen,  and  Roderic  was  of  the  opinion  that  it  must  have 
been  rather  warm  around  those  regions  at  the  time. 

There  was  something  of  a  bustle  of  preparation  in  the 
city,  since  it  had  become  known  that  General  Miles  and  an 
American  army  had  landed  on  the  south  shore  of  the 
island. 

Still  the  Spaniards  did  not  expect  to  make  a  desperate 
resistance  like  Blanco  had  declared  Havana  would  show. 

When  the  Yankee  army  reached  San  Juan  and  the  ter- 
rible battle  ships  appeared  again  in  the  offing  doubtless 
they  would  gracefully  fubmit  to  the  inevitable  and  yield 
up  their  arms. 

Meanwhile  there  was  the  usual  bluster  and  braggadocio 
as  to  what  they  meant  to  do  with  the  Yankee  pigs  once 
they  were  induced  in  enter  the  trap  which  the  Spanish 
commander  had  so  cunningly  spread. 

They  would  be  extravagantly  comical,  these  bold  sol- 
diers of  Spain,  if  they  were  not  so  very  .serious  in  what 
they  declared. 

Roderic  laughed  in  his  sleeve  at  the  awful  threats  so 
openly  made  in  street  and  cafe,  wherever  two  or  more 
soldiers  came  together — in  imagination  he  pictured  the 
overwhelming  rush  of  regulars  and  volunteers  in  blue, 
just  as  they  had  gone  into  the  Spaniards  at  Caney  and 
San  Juan  hill — one  such  mad  swoop  and  he  was  ready  to 
swear  to  it  that  the  Porto  Rican  capital  would  be  car- 
ried. 

Brag  is  a  good  dog,  but  Holdfast  a  better. 

Roderic  did  not  use  his  whole  time  in  tramping  about 
the  city. 

He  made  several  visits  to  people  who  had  been  in  com- 


l86        THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD. 

munication  with  the  Washington  authorities,  influential 
English  residents  or  even  native  Porto  Ricans  who  knew 
what  was  written  by  Destiny  upon  the  wall,  and  longed 
for  the  blessed  day  to  dawn  when  Liberty  would  descend 
upon  the  sons  and  daughters  of  the  Antilles. 

His  object  was  not  to  get  information  concerning  the 
resources  of  the  garrison. 

All  those  points  he  was  able  to  pick  up  for  himself  in 
his  round  of  the  city  and  forts. 

As  a  government  official  he  had  come  to  San  Juan,  and 
it  was  in  this  capacity  he  conferred  with  these  influential 
citizens. 

When  he  had  finally  accomplished  all  that  was  ex- 
pected of  him  in  this  direction,  Roderic  threw  off  the  bur- 
den of  responsibility. 

He  was  now  free  to  think  once  more  of  his  own  per- 
sonal affairs,  to  let  the  vision  of  Georgia's  lovely  face  oc- 
cupy his  mind  as  it  had  his  heart. 

How  he  longed  to  see  her. 

How  fitting  it  seemed  that  the  romance  of  his  life,  that 
had  obtained  its  first  lease  in  San  Juan,  should  complete 
the  circuit  there,  amid  these  well  remembered  scenes. 

It  was  concert  night. 

Even  with  a  hostile  army  marching  against  the  capital 
these  Spanish  soldiers,  who,  as  old  campaigners  laughed 
at  fate,  did  not  mean  to  be  cheated  out  of  their  usual 
pleasure. 

Among  the  throngs  on  the  plaza  Roderic  sauntered, 
looking  eagerly  for  the  face  his  heart  yearned  to  see. 

Some  few  discreet  people  had  left  the  capital  and  gone 
away,  pending  the  anticipated  bombardment;  but  the 
grand  rush  of  panic  stricken  fugitives  would  not  begin 
until  the  first  shell  from  the  Yankee  fleet  came  screaming 
into  town. 


THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD.        187 

It  had  been  so  on  the  previous  occasion,  and  those  who 
for  five  hours  that  morning  saw  the  steady,  jostling,  ex- 
cited, almost  demoralized  stream  of  humanity  that  poured 
along  the  one  road  leading  out  of  San  Juan,  many  carry- 
ing their  most  cherished  household  possessions  upon  their 
backs,  would  never  forget  the  remarkable  spectacle. 

Roderic's  search  was  however,  not  without  some  re- 
sult, for  he  had  several  glimpses  of  his  cousin  Cleo  in 
the  crowd. 

She  hung  upon  the  arm  of  Captain  Sevens,  and  Miss 
Becky  was  of  course  along. 

Having  heard  so  much  of  the  gaiety  to  be  found  in 
Porto  Rico's  capital  the  ladies  had  had  curiosity  enough 
to  come  ashore. 

Who  could  blame  them,  when  listening  to  the  delight- 
ful strains  of  melody,  and  amid  such  enchanting  and  ro- 
mantic surroundings  as  the  many  tinted  houses  fronting 
the  grand  plaza  afforded ! 

Not  Roderic,  surely. 

He  thought  it  wise  not  to  make  his  presence  known,  as 
it  might  seriously  compromise  his  safety  in  this  hostile 
city. 

Nevertheless  his  eyes  were  frequently  drawn  toward  the 
trio,  and  somehow  rested  upon  the  face  of  his  Virginia 
cousin  with  a  peculiar  satisfaction. 

If  Cleo  was  not  divinely  handsome  like  Georgia  she  had 
a  fine  figure  and  carried  her  head  like  an  American  queen, 
so  that  any  man  might  feel  proud  to  claim  kinship  with 
her. 

Roderic  noticed  how  eagerly  she  looked  around. 

At  first  he  had  the  assurance  to  wonder  whether  she 
could  be  seeking  him  in  the  crowd,  and  man-like  was  be- 
ginning to  even  feel  flattered  at  the  idea  when  he  noticed 


188        THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD. 

that  those  whom  she  scrutinized  so  eagerly  were  of  the 
gentler  sex,  wives  and  daughters  of  San  Juan's  better 
class  of  citizens. 

Then  it  flashed  upon  him  that  she  hoped  to  discover 
Georgia  in  the  midst  of  the  throng. 

He  dared  not  follow  out  this  thought  to  its  legitimate 
conclusion,  lest  it  make  him  appear  egotistical  even  in 
his  own  eyes. 

That  Georgia  must  have  reached  the  city  he  knew  full 
well,  for  with  his  own  eyes  he  had  seen  the  Sterling  Cas- 
tle in  the  harbor. 

If  that  were  not  evidence  quite  sufficient  here  was  Je- 
rome as  big  as  life,  sauntering  about  the  plaza,  the  object 
of  adoration  on  the  part  of  the  whole  female  population, 
and  of  malice,  envy  and  black  hatred  on  the  part  of  the 
military  beaux  who  saw  in  this  Adonis  a  rival  to  be  feared. 

Roderic  mentally  pictured  the  inevitable  outcome  and 
in  anticipation  enjoyed  Jerome's  downfall. 

"He  will  discover  it  a  different  matter  flirting  with  the 
daughters  of  Porto  Rico.  I  am  ready  to  swear  my  dandy 
Lord  High  Admiral  will  ere  long  find  himself  ducked  in 
some  fragrant  frog  pond,  if  no  greater  evil  befalls  him," 
was  what  Owen  concluded. 

Nor  was  he  a  particle  sorry,  since  Jerome  had  long 
played  the  heartless  role  of  an  adventurer,  and  many  had 
suffered  because  of  his  belief  that  the  world  owed  him  a 
living. 

The  evening  wore  on,  and  Roderic  began  to  imagine  he 
was  doomed  to  disappointment. 

Lovely  faces  he  had  seen,  but  not  the  one  for  which  his 
heart  yearned. 

Some  of  the  ladies  wore  veils,  their  exceeding  modesty 
preventing  them  from  showing  their  faces  in  such  a  mixed 


THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD.          189 

assemblage,  a  custom  that  undoubtedly  descended  from 
royal  blood  desirous  of  being  distinguished  from  the  ple- 
beian. 

Still  Roderic  had  full  assurance  that  his  eyes  could  dis- 
cover the  girl  he  loved,  even  though  she  stood  among  a 
score  of  veiled  companions — there  is  an  individuality  in 
the  carriage,  little  peculiarities  about  the  movement  of 
hands  and  head  that  appeal  to  the  keen  eye  of  Love,  and 
cannot  be  mistaken. 

So  Roderic,  wise  man,  reasoned,  as  with  a  single  glance 
he  decided  that  this  one  or  that  was  not  Georgia. 

So  others  of  his  sex  have  decided  in  times  past,  and 
mayhap  paid  the  penalty  of  their  folly. 

As  the  secret  agent  was  cruising  around  that  side  of  the 
plaza  where  the  band  had  taken  up  its  quarters,  while 
making  a  last  selection,  he  received  a  shock  without  the 
least  warning  by  suddenly  coming  face  to  face  with  a 
dashing  looking  Spaniard  whose  gay  dress  proclaimed 
him  some  public  performer. 

Roderic  gritted  his  teeth  at  sight  of  his  yellow  -skinned 
adversary  of  the  past,  for  this  was  no  other  than  Julio,  the 
handsome  dancer  of  the  bolero,  a  man  whose  life  had  been 
one  long  succession  of  conquests  in  the  arena  of  Love, 
and  over  whom  half  the  town  had  at  times  gone  wild. 

He  had  gitano  or  gypsy  blood  in  his  veins,  through  his 
mother,  which  doubtless  accounted  in  a  measure  for  the 
diablerie  of  his  appearance,  and  his  success  among  the  fair 
sex,  for  there  is  to  many  women  a  fascination  in  anything 
bordering  upon  the  tempestuous,  the  wild  and  eerie. 

It  was  only  natural  that  Roderic,  coming  thus  upon  the 
man  he  had  hated  so  bitterly  in  the  past,  should  grind  his 
teeth  and  feel  a  mad  desire  to  plant  his  fist  square  between 
those  black  dare  devil  eyes  that  had  wrought  such  ac- 
cursed mischief  for  years  back. 


1 90       THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD. 

Then  he  remembered  that  it  was  all  a  mistake — that  he 
had  no  valid  reason  for  assaulting  the  idol  of  San  Juan 
save  in  the  capacity  of  a  general  defender  of  the  weaker 
sex,  a  modern  Don  Quixote,  and  that  would  hardly  be 
politic. 

Drawn  by  an  attraction  he  could  never  explain,  he 
sauntered  after  the  bolero  dancer,  who  had  evidently 
come  out  of  some  casino  near  by,  after  his  performance 
was  done,  in  order  to  enjoy  the  music  of  the  military  band 
— come  out  without  changing  his  garments,  which  gave 
him  the  picturesque  swagger  so  admired  among  those  of 
his  blood;  and  the  red  silk  sash  that  was  knotted  at  his 
left  hip,  the  ends  trailing  almost  to  the  knee,  did  not 
Roderic  remember  it  well,  and  had  he  not  once  vowed  to 
some  day  use  the  same  in  strangling  the  gipsy  dancer 
with  the  devilish  handsome  face? 

Pshaw !  that  was  long  ago,  when  he  was  a  poor  fool, 
whom  love  had  made  insane. 

Now  he  had  learned  his  lesson  well,  and  never  again 
would  he  allow  such  miserable  suspicions  to  find  lodgment 
in  his  breast. 

Georgia  was  as  faithful  as  the  stars,  and  the  only  rea- 
son he  felt  a  little  bitterness  toward  this  fellow  was  in 
sympathy  with  the  past. 

As  to  jealousy,  thank  Heaven  that  evil  weed  had  been 
forever  plucked  out  by  the  roots  from  the  garden  of  his 
heart,  and — 

But  there  was  Julio,  up  to  his  old  tricks,  flirting  with 
one  of  Eve's  daughters. 

Roderic,  still  remembering  the  past,  found  himself  in- 
dulging in  a  wild  hope  that  some  indignant  lover  would 
set  upon  the  gypsy  dancer  and  give  him  a  taste  of  Span- 
ish vengeance. 


THE  BOLERO  DANCER  WITH  THE  GYPSY  BLOOD.        19! 

Such  however,  did  not  happen. 

The  girl  who  had  answered  his  signal  with  a  waveof  her 
snowy  kerchief  soon  joined  him,  and  together  they  pushed 
through  the  crowd  as  though  heading  for  a  street  that 
broke  away  from  the  plaza. 

Roderic  had  been  close  at  hand,  and  his  eyes  were  not 
closed — indeed,  just  about  this  time  they  seemed  to  be 
unusually  wide  open,  as  though  a  sudden  avalanche  of 
jealousy  had  swept  over  him. 

It  was  not  because  the  companion  of  Julio  was  veiled 
that  he  watched  her  so  eagerly,  so  breathlessly — other 
women  wore  mantillas,  and  chose  to  conceal  their  patri- 
cian faces  from  the  common  herd  when  walking  the  plaza. 

What  then? 

Love  is  not  blind — Roderic  had  just  now  been  declaring 
to  himself  that  he  would  easily  be  able  to  pick  Georgia  out 
from  among  a  score  of  girls  whose  features  were  hidden 
from  view — and  it  was  on  this  very  account  that  he  shook 
from  head  to  foot  as  though  with  the  palsy. 

Dead — that  old  demon  Jealousy  once  planted  in  the  hu- 
man breast  is  hard  indeed  to  slay. 

And  Roderic  again  ground  his  teeth  in  fury,  and  fol- 
lowed in  the  wake  of  Julio  the  bolero  dancer  of  San  Juan 
because  this  veiled  senorita  who  took  his  arm  and  clung  so 
confidingly  there  as  they  dodged  through  the  crowd  had 
apparently  the  familiar  figure  and  actions  of  the  girl  he 
loved,  the  girl  he  had  once  jilted  on  account  of  this  self 
same  Spanish  heart  smasher — Georgia  de  Brabant,  maid 
of  San  Juan ! 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

JULIO  DECLARES  FOR  WAR. 

IN  THIS  fair  city  of  the  Conquistadors,  where  Ponce  de 
Leon  laid  a  foundation  for  the  future  Spanish  colony, 
there  may  have  been  men  who  for  various  causes  felt  the 
heat  of  anger  surging  through  their  souls  on  this  August 
night  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1898;  but  it  is  exceedingly 
problematical  whether  one  among  them  experienced  such 
a  terrible  volcano  raging  in  their  heart  as  did  Roderic 
Owen  when  the  first  suspicion  burst  upon  him  that  Julio's 
companion  was  the  beautiful  girl  who  had  after  estrange- 
ment again  promised  to  be  his  honored  wife. 

The  shock  almost  took  his  breath  away,  it  was  so  keen, 
so  cruel,  and  found  him  so  unprepared. 

Then  came  a  revulsion  of  feeling — it  could  not  be  so — 
Georgia  was  true,  she  was  loving  and  faithful — 
this  was  only  a  wretched  coincidence — surely  there  were 
women  in  San  Juan  who  possessed  figures  on  the  same 
order  as  hers,  and  who  even  made  those  familiar  little 
gestures — women  were  pretty  much  alike  with  regard  to 
such  things,  just  as  a  dozen  cats  may  all  make  the  same 
graceful  leaps,  together  with  the  peculiar  little  motions  so 
characteristic  the  world  over. 

Still  he  followed  Julio — for  the  life  of  him  he  could 
not  help  that,  no  matter  how  thoroughly  convinced  he 
might  be  that  it  was  no  affair  of  his — there  was  a  terrible 
fascination  in  the  game,  as  though  he  were  playing  with 

dynamite. 

192 


JULIO  DECLARES  FOR  WAR.  193 

And  so  the  pendulum  swung  again,  his  eyes  being  still 
glued  upon  the  girl,  once  more  he  found  himself  the  prey 
to  suspicions. 

In  vain  he  endeavored  to  throttle  them,  as  his  better 
nature  arose  in  arms — like  Banquo's  ghost  they  would  not 
down — every  movement  the  girl  made  that  reminded  him 
of  Georgia  was  like  a  wicked  stab  in  the  region  of  his 
heart,  and  when  he  saw  the  daring  Julio  pick  up  her  ker- 
chief which  had  fallen  from  her  hand,  and  press  it  to  his 
lips  very  cavalierly  ere  returning  it,  Roderic  had  a  great 
desire  to  rush  upon  the  bolero  dancer  and  knock  him  down 
— indeed,  just  at  that  minute  he  thought  he  had  good 
cause  for  hammering  him  in  lusty  Anglo  Saxon  style. 

But  Roderic  was  not  jealous — oh!  no,  he  had  cast  that 
monster  out  of  his  heart  for  good,  and  meant  to  have  no 
more  of  him — only  he  had  a  very  queer  sensation  seize 
upon  him,  and  felt  as  though  it  was  only  just  and  right, 
both  to  Georgia  and  himself,  that  he  should  settle  this 
matter  then  and  there. 

This  could  only  be  done  in  one  way,  by  looking  upon  the 
girl's  face. 

He  was  firmly  resolved  to  do  this,  come  what  might — 
Julio  would  doubtless  resent  the  impertinence,  for  Julio 
was  a  fighter,  having  once  been  a  toreador  in  the  bull  ring 
— what  of  that,  if  only  he  could  discover  the  truth  one  way 
or  the  other  ? 

A  fellow  in  his  frame  of* mind  thinks  little  of  danger, 
the  careless  snap  of  his  fingers  perhaps. 

What  fools  Cupid  does  make  of  men — even  those  who 
would  appear  to  be  the  best  balanced  go  quite  off  the  han- 
dle when  the  little  god  finds  lodgment  in  their  bosoms. 

At  any  rate  Owen  had  now  thrown  away  all  other  fan- 
cies and  was  studiously  following  this  couple  as  might  an 
Indian  his  intended  prey. 


194  JULIO  DECLARES  FOR  WAR. 

Given  a  little  time  and  he  recovered,  at  least  in  a  fair 
measure,  the  coolness  that  usually  characterized  his  ac- 
tions. 

He  even  lighted  a  cheroot,  realizing  that  a  Spaniard 
such  as  he  represented  would  appear  singular  without  a 
weed  of  some  sort  dangling  from  his  lip. 

Apparently  Julio  had  lost  all  interest  in  the  military 
strains  that  throbbed  and  pulsated  upon  the  night  air — 
when  lovely  women  entered  the  game  the  bolero  dancer 
threw  other  thoughts  to  the  four  winds — he  might  be  a 
lover  of  music  but  above  all  else  he  was  a  beau. 

The  couple  evidently  intended  quitting  the  plaza,  and 
plunging  down  into  one  of  the  streets  that  would  lead 
them  to  that  other  section  of  town,  where  fashion  never 
troubled,  and  where  the  poorer  element  had  their  quar- 
ters— a  section  that  would  especially  appeal  to  the  eye  of 
the  artist  and  the  newspaperman  seeking  quaint  scenes  for 
the  portrayal  of  Spanish  characteristics. 

Roderic  was  quite  ready  to  follow — indeed,  in  his  pres- 
ent frame  of  mind  it  would  not  matter  whither  he  went  so 
long  as  that  lithesome  figure  tantalized  him  like  a  will-o'- 
the-wisp. 

All  he  wanted  was  an  opportunity  to  see  her  face,  to 
satisfy  himself  one  way  or  the  other,  to  quell  this  devilish 
spirit  raging  in  his  breast,  or  failing  that  to  let  the  fury 
find  an  outlet. 

One  way  or  the  other,  however  fortune  might  decide  it, 
he  felt  that  a  result  must  be  reached. 

Having  taken  the  reins  in  his  hands  again  and  curbed 
the  unruly  team  that  would  have  carried  him  headlong  to 
a  speedy  rupture  of  the  peace,  Roderic  became  outwardly 
cool. 

He  aroused  his  old  professional  instincts  to  action,  and 


JULIO  DECLARES  FOR  WAR.  1 95 

endeavored  to  forget  that  the  case  was  more  to  him  than 
the  usual  run. 

Thus  he  noticed  that  while  Julio  could  never  be  any- 
thing but  a  gallant  and  a  beau,  he  did  not  attempt  any 
familiarities  with  his  companion — that  there  seemed  to  be 
a  certain  amount  of  respect  on  his  part  such  as  he  seldom 
showed  toward  those  who  had  succumed  to  the  charm  of 
his  fascinating  presence. 

Score  one  point  in  favor  of  Julio. 

It  might  be  of  advantage  when  the  curtain  was  rung  up 
for  the  final  act,  for  should  this  desperate,  jealousy-racked 
lover  who  followed  at  his  heels  be  given  an  opportunity  to 
get  at  that  long  throat  of  his,  the  Maccarena  dancer  would 
have  ample  need  of  every  prayer  his  guardian  angel  could 
bring  forth. 

When  the  plaza  with  its  gay  crowds  and  its  dashing 
music  had  been  left  behind,  Roderic  knew  his  task  had 
assumed  new  risks. 

The  Spaniard  is  a  suspicious  mortal  at  his  best,  and 
Julio  had  been  embroiled  in  so  many  affairs  with  lovers, 
perhaps  husbands  also,  that  he  had  to  be  constantly  on  the 
qui  vive  lest  one  of  these  jealous  minded  gentry  lie  in  wait 
around  a  lonely  corner,  or  creep  up  from  behind,  dagger 
in  hand. 

When  one  plays  such  a  game  as  that  of  this  fascinating 
beau,  one  must  accept  the  consequences,  no  matter  what 
they  entail — it  is  the  price  of  popularity  among  the  fair 
sex. 

Hence,  it  might  be  expected  that  after  they  had  been 
traversing  these  narrow  thoroughfares  for  some  little 
time,  Julio  from  frequent  glances  thrown  over  his  shoul- 
der, would  begin  to  notice  how  the  shadow  kept  upon  his 
trail. 


ig6  JULIO  DECLARES  FOR  WAR. 

This  would  arouse  suspicion,  and  he  might  either  van- 
ish suddenly  from  sight  or  else  employ  his  popularity 
among  a  certain  class  of  men  to  bring  Roderic  into  hot 
water. 

So  far  as  this  latter  contingency  was  concerned,  Rod- 
eric cared  little  whether  he  were  thrown  up  against  a 
dozen  of  the  unwashed  of  San  Juan,  if  he  could  only  pre- 
viously have  the  blessed  knowledge  that  his  fears  regard- 
ing Julio's  veiled  companion  were  groundless. 

In  other  words,  such  an  assurance  was  of  so  great  a 
value  in  his  eyes  that  he  stood  ready  to  accept  the  gravest 
of  danger  with  a  smile  on  his  face  if  only  Georgia  were 

true. 

He  employed  his  usual  tactics  to  prevent  the  other  from 

suspecting  him,  and  being  an  adept  at  the  business  was 
able  to  be  out  of  Sight  on  nearly  every  occasion  when 
Julio  twisted  that  long  neck  of  his  for  a  glance  toward  the 
rear. 

This  was  all  very  well,  but  so  far  he  had  not  advanced 
a  single  step  toward  the  elucidation  of  the  mystery. 

Well,  patience — everything  comes  to  him  who  waits. 

Under  ordinary  conditions  he  could  have  applied  this 
time-worn  but  nevertheless  true  axiom  to  his  own  case, 
just  as  he  had  done  on  many  a  previous  occasion;  but  it 
was  a  different  matter  when  his  eyes  were  eagerly  watch- 
ing each  movement  of  the  girl,  and  in  his  heart  he  prayed 
that  the  bitter  cup  might  pass  from  him. 

But  something  must  be  done. 

At  any  moment  Julio  and  his  modest  companion  might 
pass  into  one  of  the  houses  in  this  quarter,  and  the  door 
of  which  would  consequently  be  shut  and  barred  in  his 
face. 

It  would  serve  of  little  avail  then  for  him  to  suddenly  be 


JULIO  DECLARES  FOR  WAR.  197 

electrified  into  action — he  could  pound  upon  the  panels  of 
the  sturdy  door  and  demand  admittance  in  the  most  lusty 
of  tones,  but  the  only  answer  he  might  expect  would  be  in 
a  shower  of  dirty  water  from  the  upper  windows,  a  favor- 
ite method  in  vogue  among  the  lower  classes  of  Spain 
when  the  tax  gatherers  or  some  other  unwelcome  visitor 
is  knocking  for  admission. 

Desperation  often  hurries  a  man  to  action — the  need'  of 
results  one  way  or  another  spurs  even  a  laggard  in  the 
chase. 

Having  now  determined  to  assume  all  the  risks  with 
the  expectation  of  placing  them  upon  a  single  die,  Roderic 
changed  his  tactics. 

It  was  his  desire  to  overtake  the  dancer  and  by  a  bold 
movement  snatch  the  veil  from  the  head  of  his  compan- 
ion. 

Of  course  this  would  be  the  signal  for  war,  since  Julio 
always  had  a  chip  upon  his  shoulder;  but  Roderic  was 
willing  to  accept  the  consequences,  so  long  as  the  terrible 
suspense  was  ended. 

He  began  to  slip  up  on  the  Spaniard,  and  with  all  his 
faculties  aroused  Roderic  was  able  to  carry  this  part  of  his 
programme  out  to  perfection. 

The  streets  were  far  from  deserted — in  places  even 
crowds  could  be  seen,  doubtless  eagerly  discussing  the 
great  events  overhanging  San  Juan,  with  an  American 
army  landed  on  Porto  Rico  soil — for  by  this  time  the 
dreadful  news  had  come  of  Santiago's  fall  and  the  total 
destruction  of  Cervera's  fleet,  so  that  Spanish  respect  for 
Yankee  valor  was  rising  fast — first  Dewey,  then  Sampson 
and  last  of  all  Shafter,  to  be  followed  by  Miles. 

Owen  was  now  but  three  paces  behind  the  couple,  and 
could  almost  hear  what  they  said,  though  their  voices  were 
exceedingly  low. 


198  JULIO  DECLARES  FOR  WAR. 

His  former  diagnosis  of  the  case  was  strengthened  by  a 
closer  survey — in  height,  and  figure  Julio's  companion 
was  exactly  a  counterpart  of  Georgia — add  to  this  the 
peculiar  little  individualities  such  as  usually  mark  a 
woman's  personality  and  the  fact  that  this  man  had  once 
before  come  between  them,  what  fault  could  be  found  with 
Roderic  for  suspecting? 

Well,  the  time  had  come  for  action. 

That  miserable  gauze  had  baffled  him  long  enough,  and 
he  was  determined  to  know  the  worst,  Julio  to  the  con- 
trary. 

Before  the  Spaniard  could  guess  what  was  in  the  wind 
Roderic  had  darted  to  the  side  of  the  girl,  while  his  eager 
hand  reached  out  and  seized  upon  her  veil  in  a  ruthless 
grasp. 

He  heard  her  give  a  little  scream  as  though  terrorized 
at  his  boorish  act. 

For  this  Owen,  being  chivalrous  by  nature  of  the  blood 
that  had  descended  from  Irish  kings,  hated  himself  most 
earnestly — nevertheless  this  feeling  did  not  prevent  him 
from  following  out  the  design  that  actuated  his  move- 
ments, even  as  it  had  become  a  very  part  of  his  existence. 

Though  the  fate  of  nations  hung  in  the  balance,  yes, 
even  should  his  own  life  pay  the  penalty  for  his  rashness 
— and  this  is  by  all  odds  the  highest  stake  a  man  can  play 
— he  was  resolved  to  settle  this  question  once  for  all. 

So  he  snatched  away  the  veil. 

He  no  longer  breathed — in  that  dread  moment  when  his 
hopes  of  a  whole  future  hung  in  the  balance  he  seemed 
actually  to  have  been  changed  into  stone. 

So  Lot's  wife  must  have  been  petrified  as  she  turned  to 
look  back  at  the  burning  city. 

When  Roderic's  eyes  fell  upon  the  face  that  had  been 


JULIO  DECLARES  FOR  WAR.  199 

concealed  by  the  veil  they  discovered  rare  beauty  that  was 
now  stamped  with  alarm,  although  some  show  of  spirit 
flashed  from  the  great  midnight  eyes  as  indignation  strug- 
gled with  maidenly  fear. 

But,  praise  be  to  Heaven,  the  girl  though  so  beautiful 
as  to  vie  with  his  Georgia,  was  a  stranger ! 

His  demon  was  laid ! 

For  that  at  least,  thanks. 

And  now  the  consequences  of  his  daring  act  must  be 
boldly  met. 

Apologies,  however  profuse,  do  not  count  for  much 
with  hot  blooded  Spaniards,  with  whom  an  insult  demands 
a  blow. 

Knowing  this  Roderic  fully  counted  on  prompt  action 
on  the  part  of  the  ex  toreador. 

Julio  had  met  the  rush  of  many  a  maddened  bull  in  the 
arena,  and  could  himself  do  a  little  of  that  same  when  the 
occasion  arose. 

He  was  naturally  a  trifle  confused  by  the  unexpected 
move  on  Roderic's  part,  and  this  delay,  short  though  it 
was,  gave  the  other  a  chance  to  pull  himself  together,  to 
put  the  girl  out  of  his  mind  altogether  and  face  Julio. 

The  latter  was  trembling  with  fury,  and  thus  far  weak- 
ened his  cause  just  when  he  needed  all  coolness  and  a  clear 
vision. 

He  rattled  out  a  shower  of  expletives,  each  one  of  which 
was  as  hot  as  a  live  coal ;  but  even  this  did  not  appear  to 
annihilate  his  enemy. 

Julio  had  not  been  entirely  idle  while  thus  giving  vent 
to  his  spleen — the  glint  of  steel  in  his  hand  told  Owen  that 
he  had  snatched  out  a  ready  dagger,  possibly  concealed  in 
his  voluminous  scarlet  sash,  and  was  ready  to  sheathe  it 
in  the  bosom  of  the  unknown  who  had  thrown  down  the 
gauntlet. 


200  JULIO  DECLARES  FOR  WAR. 

Roderic  saw  the  point,  and  had  already  gone  him  one 
better,  since  he  held  a  blade  more  than  a  match  for  Julio's 
dagger,  and  moreover,  knew  how  to  handle  it  like  a  jug- 
gler of  India. 

"Senor,  it  was  a  mistake — I  am  ready  to  make  ample 
apologies  or  fight — just  as  you  decide,"  he  said  in  Span- 
ish. 

The  wolf  would  not  be  appeased  by  this  sop. 

He  demanded  blood. 

It  had  been  too  grievous  an  insult  to  be  forgiven,  and 
besides,  what  business  has  any  self-respecting  Spaniard 
to  forgive  anyhow  ? 

So  Julio  set  out  for  war. 

When  any  man  on  earth  seeks  a  disturbance,  and  selects 
an  American  citizen  for  the  object  of  his  assault,  he  usu- 
ally gets  all  he  desires,  and  very  frequently  good  measure, 
pressed  down  and  running  over. 

So  Julio,  the  pet  dancer  and  one  time  idol  of  the  San 
Juan  bull  ring,  brushing  his  female  companion  aside  al- 
most rudely,  flung  himself  upon  the  stranger  with  the 
ferocity  of  a  panther,  doubtless  resolved  to  make  him  pay 
for  his  audacity  with  his  life. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY. 

JULIO  had  doubtless  made  other  calculations  during  his 
life,  only  to  find  them  turn  out  Dead  Sea  fruit. 

In  this  case  his  confidence  was  on  a  par  with  the  natu- 
ral ferocity  of  his  disposition,  but  as  frequently  happens, 
he  overshot  the  mark. 

Roderic  met  his  assault  and  went  him  one  better — he 
turned  the  Spaniard's  eager  blade  aside  with  the  .quick 
movement  of  one  to  the  manner  born. 

No  doubt  Julio  was  surprised,  but  he  never  let  anything 
interfere  with  business. 

A  second  rush,  another  rebuff. 

This  was  growing  monotonous — really,  it  began  to  look 
as  though  the  unknown  cavalier  might  be  playing  with 
him. 

Nothing  could  arouse  the  devil  in  a  Spanish  heart 
quicker  than  this  suspicion. 

Humiliation  is  to  the  proud  don  worse  than  any  other  ill 
save  death — relieve  him  from  this  indignity  and  you  can 
have  all  else. 

So  Julio,  instead  of  taking  warning  from  the  ease  with 
which  his  assaults  were  turned  aside,  instead  of  calling 
upon  his  patron  saint  for  protection  should  this  master  of 
the  steel  turn  the  tables  and  begin  to  assail  him,  only  swore 
the  harder  and  went  recklessly  into  the  push. 

Their  little  imbroglio  had  by  this  time  attracted  con- 
siderable attention. 

201 


202  BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY. 

Men  called  out  to  one  another  and  came  hurrying  pell 
mell  to  the  scene — fond  of  cock  fights  and  the  meeting  of 
bull  and  toreadors  in  the  arena,  these  fellows  hailed  a 
street  brawl  as  a  special  dispensation  of  Providence  on 
their  behalf. 

Already  a  ring  was  forming,  a  ring  composed  of  dark 
visaged  men,  some  Spanish  soldiers,  others  natives  of  the 
noble  city  of  San  Juan,  but  all  desirous  of  observing  the 
exciting  drama  that  was  being  played  as  if  especially  for 
their  particular  benefit. 

All  of  which  was  bad  for  Roderic. 

No  matter  what  measure  of  success  followed  his  en- 
gagement with  Julio,  he  was  apt  to  find  it  a  serious  mat- 
ter to  escape  an  encounter  with  these  hangers  on,  whose 
sympathies  seemed  to  be  with  the  dancer,  judging  from 
the  way  in  which  his  name  was  coupled  with  cries  of  di- 
rect encouragement. 

These  same  bravos  urged  Julio  to  make  a  third  vicious 
attack  where  prudence  might  have  suggested  that  he  cover 
his  weakness  by  falling  back  on  the  defense. 

Roderic  thought  the  farce  had  gone  far  enough — he  was 
desirous  of  leaving  the  locality  ere  it  became  too  hot  for  a 
man  of  his  description ;  and  besides,  there  was  at  least  a 
small  chance  that  this  impassioned  athlete  who  struck  out 
so  blindly,  regardless  of  his  own  uncovered  condition, 
might  inflict  an  accidental  wound. 

So  he  locked  horns  with  the  Spaniard  and  tripped  him 
up. 

Julio  never  knew  how  it  was  done,  for  he  was  a  pigmy 
in  the  hands  of  a  master. 

He  felt  some  tremendous  power  seize  upon  his  person 
so  that  he  was  borne  irresistibly  backward;  at  the  same 
time  a  sudden  acute  thrill  of  agony  in  his  right  wrist 


BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY.  203 

caused  him  to  drop  his  knife  as  though  it  had  been  scorch- 
ing his  fingers. 

"Senor  Julio,"  said  the  voice  in  his  ear,  "again  I  say  it 
was  all  a  mistake — again  I  apologize  for  my  hasty  action. 
You  have  defended  your  honor  as  became  a  true  son  of 
Spain !  There  is  no  need  of  our  seeking  each  other's  life. 
I  am  satisfied  that  I  have  met  a  brave  man.  Let  us  sepa- 
rate in  peace." 

This  was  said  with  such  fervor  as  became  a  loyal  sub- 
ject of  young  Alphonso — it  carried  such  a  subtle  vein  of 
flattery  in  the  adroit  words  that  even  the  fiery  son  of  Mars 
Julio  was  proving  himself  to  be  might  have  been  mollified, 
only  that  a  discovery  flashed  upon  him  at  this  critical 
juncture. 

It  was  singular  enough  that  he  should  set  his  eyes  upon 
an  odd  looking  seal  ring  worn  by  his  late  antagonist,  and 
at  this  particular  moment  too  of  all  times. 

Julio  had  never  forgotten  that  ring — indeed,  he  had 
carried  a  rough  impression  of  it  upon  his  cuticle  for  a 
week  or  more,  as  a  gentle  reminder  of  Roderic's  ability 
as  a  boxer,  for  it  seems  that  the  two  rivals  had  indeed 
once  come  to  blows  in  those  days  of  old,  though  separated 
quickly  by  mutual  friends. 

However,  such  an  impression  is  apt  to  be  lasting — 
Julio  had  seen  the  queer  device  of  that  signet  ring  many 
times  in  his  dreams,  so  that  its  unexpected  appearance 
just  now  and  here  was  a  rude  shock. 

Roderic  saw  the  stare  and  while  at  first  he  could  not 
comprehend  its  import,  when  he  too  cast  his  eyes  upon  his 
hand  he  remembered. 

This  was  worse  than  he  had  expected — his  identity 
known  to  Julio  what  would  prevent  the  hasty  tempered 
Spaniard,  who  still  owed  him  a  grudge  for  the  blow  re- 


204  BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY. 

A 

ceived  long  ago,  from  publicly  announcing  his  name  to  the 
soldiers,  who  would  pounce  upon  him  like  mad  dogs. 

He  had  expected  at  the  worst  to  be  treated  as  a  Span- 
iard— now  the  bubble  had  burst. 

Was  it  to  be  flight? 

Involuntarily  he  looked  around  him-  -the  circle  had 
doubled,  aye,  even  trebled,  and  to  break  through  such  a 
compact  mass  would  require  the  battering  powers  of  a 
giant. 

What  then? 

Must  he  draw  his  revolver  and  simply  sell  his  life  as 
dearly  as  possible  ? 

It  may  be  sweet  to  die  for  one's  country,  but  most  men 
much  prefer  to  live,  especially  when  health  and1  wealth 
and  honor  are  their  inheritance  by  right  of  birth. 

Roderic  never  felt  less  like  giving  up  the  ghost  in  all 
his  life  than  he  did  just  then. 

He  had  been  far  down  below  zero  up  to  the  moment 
when  he  discovered  that  it  was  not  Georgia  who  accom- 
panied Julio,  and  then  of  a  sudden  his  spirits  took  a  bound 
that  sent  them  away  above  fever  heat ;  life  assumed  a  rosy 
hue,  and  happiness  came  again  within  his  grasp. 

A  man  of  remarkable  resources  in  emergencies,  Roderic 
felt  no  dismay  paralyze  his  limbs  when  he  discovered  how 
next  to  impossible  it  was  that  he  make  his  escape  through 
the  crowd. 

There  were  other  methods. 

He  had  made  it  a  rule  in  life  never  to  depend  wholly 
upon  one  source  of  income — to  avoid  the  mistake  of  put- 
ting all  his  eggs  in  one  basket. 

Julio's  scattered  wits  came  back. 

He  even  smiled,  but  there  was  a  devil  in  that  smirk ;  a 
gleam  in  his  eyes  that  told  of  gloating  triumph. 


BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY.  205 

He  had  been  easily  beaten  in  the  little  game  of  th^ 
knife,  but  there  were  still  trump  cards  up  his  sleeve-^- 
he  laughed  loudest  who  laughed  last,  and  the  time  had 
come  for  him  to  settle  that  long  standing  debt — the 
scar  of  that  wound  had  burned  like  wild  fire  every  time 
he  looked  at  it,  but  it  would  cease  to  cry  out  for  satis- 
faction after  this  August  night. 

"Aha!  Senor  Owen,  'tis  thus  we  meet  again.  You 
thought  this  lady  was  your  sweet  Georgia — you  took 
your  life  in  your  hands  when  you  set  out  to  discover  the 
truth.  Again  you  have  crossed  my  path — this  time  it  is 
your  last.  I  shall  turn  to  these  brave  soldiers  of  Spain 
and  tell  them  who  you  are.  They  will  be  very  affection- 
ate Senor  Owen,  they  will  love  you  so  well  that  every 
mother's  son  will  want  a  portion  of  your  precious  body 
to  remember  this  night  by.  Have  you  anything  to  say 
before  I  give  the  word?" 

Roderic  remembered  how  the  judge  when  about  to 
pass  sentence  of  death  used  words  like  this. 

He  was  mute — it  would  avail  nothing  after  all,  and 
he  did  not  intend  the  Spaniard  should  have  the  satis- 
faction of  hearing  him  plead. 

This  trouble  had  come  upon  him  through  his  own  stu- 
pidity— the  burning  in  his  chest,  the  unjust  suspicions 
that  found  lodgment  in  his  mind  urged  him  to  take  dras- 
tic measures  in  order  to  learn  the  truth ;  and  now  that  he 
had  found  out  just  what  it  all  meant  he  should  not  com- 
plain if  it  came  hard. 

"Ho!  he  has  lost  his  tongue — or  his  knowledge  of  the 
noble  Spanish  language  fails  him.  For  Dios!  we  shall  see 
how  he  can  be  made  to  lift  up  his  voice,  to  cry  like  a 
dog,  to  squeal  like  the  pig  he  is,  to  beg  for  mercy.  Now 
Senor  Hero  of  the  Knife,  take  notice  that  it  is  I,  Julio, 


206  BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY. 

the  Maccarena  dancer  and  bull  fighter  who  contempt- 
uously tosses  you  to  the  tender  mercies  of  these  gentle- 
men as  I  would  a  yellow  cur." 

He  turned  to  bawl  his  intelligence  to  the  gaping  crowd, 
to  proclaim  the  seeming  dark  faced  stranger  a  wolf  in 
sheep's  clothing,  one  of  the  hated  Yengees  who  were 
coming  to  destroy  everything. 

Before  he  could  burst  out  with  his  startling  tale  how- 
ever, the  girl  who  had  accompanied  him  took  a  sudden 
part  in  the  drama,  springing  forward  and  catching  hold 
of  his  arm  as  she  cried : 

"You  speak  of  Senor  Owen,  of  Georgia — and  a  light 
breaks  in  upon  my  mind.  Julio,  you  must  not  go  further 
— this  man  should  be  safe  from  your  malice.  He  has  not 
injured  me — see,  because  of  Leon  I  forgive  him — I  even 
extend  him  my  hand.  Why  not,  when  he  loves  the  sister 
and  my  heart  belongs  to  the  brother?" 

Then  Roderic's  turn  came  to  be  amazed,  for  these 
words  informed  him  of  a  strange  fact — he  remembered 
the  story  Georgia  had  told  him  of  her  brother,  and  how 
Leon  had  been  saved  by  the  daughter  of  the  Spanish 
governor  in  charge  of  Morro  Castle — fate  had  brought 
him  face  to  face  with  that  devoted  girl,  and  through  her 
might  he  not  learn  where  Leon  could  be  found  ? 

Julio  was  the  only  obstacle,  and  Julio,  having  been  sev- 
eral times  thwarted  in  his  designs  for  a  personal  ven- 
geance upon  this  man  who  was  so  closely  associated  with 
his  past  could  not  be  easily  placated. 

A  pretty  woman  might  have  considerable  influence 
over  him  under  ordinary  conditions,  but  just  now  he 
wanted  blood  and  was  bound  to  have  his  desires  fulfilled. 

Accordingly  he  brushed  the  girl  aside  in  an  ugly  man- 
ner that  betrayed  his  nasty  temper — brushed  her  away 


BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY.  207 

as  carelessly  as  one  might  dispose  of  a  fly  that  persisted 
in  annoying  the  early  morning  nap  of  a  sybarite. 

Then  he  gave  tongue,  denouncing  the  other  in  un- 
measured terms  as  a  Yankee  spy  come  to  wreck  their 
forts,  to  betray  the  city,  to  do  anything  and  everything 
that  was  dreadful  in  the  eyes  of  good  loyal  Spaniards. 

It  made  quite  a  striking  scene,  with  the  picturesque 
Julio  in  his  dashing  garb  thus  violently  shouting  his 
private  opinion  of  Yankees  in  general  and  the  one  before 
them  in  particular,  while  the  beautiful  daughter  of  Mor- 
ro's  governor  was  clinging  to  his  gesticulating  arm  and 
endeavoring  to  overcome  his  mad  language,  the  crowd 
meanwhile  beginning  to  shout  answering  cries  that  an- 
nounced their  quick  grasp  of  the  situation. 

Roderic  would  not  soon  forget  that  picture,  if  he  lived 
through  the  adventure. 

Again  he  owed  much  to  that  love  of  fair  play  pre- 
dominating in  the  breast  of  gentle  woman. 

It  had  however,  gone  beyond  any  power  on  her  part 
to  prevent  an  explosion. 

If  he  escaped  with  a  whole  skin  it  must  be  through 
his  own  exertions. 

Fortunately  he  was  able  to  grasp  the  situation  and  bring 
order  out  of  seeming  chaos. 

The  one  sweeping  glance  which  he  had  taken  around 
had  told  him  of  an  avenue  where  a  desperate  man  could 
find  a  chance. 

As  in  many  parts  of  San  Juan  the  houses  in  this  nar- 
row calle  were  rich  in  the  possession  of  balconies — 
Spaniards  would  be  lost  without  some  such  addition  to 
their  homes,  for  the  women  live  half  of  the  time  upon 
these  overhanging  galleries. 

The  sound  of  angry  voices  in  the  street  had  brought 


208  BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY. 

a  number  of  people  out,  and  they  were  curious  spectators 
of  what  followed. 

Chance,  or  Providence,  as  you  will,  had  taken  Roderic 
directly  underneath  one  of  these  balconies. 

By  raising  his  hands  above  his  head  he  could'  just 
touch  it. 

To  an  agile  man  it  was  a  small  matter  to  give  an  up- 
ward leap  and  secure  a  firm  grasp  above ;  nor  did  he 
consider  it  any  extraordinary  feat  to  draw  himself  over 
the  railing  after  the  manner  of  an  athlete. 

Cries  of  astonishment  announced  that  his  intention 
had  become  known  to  the  crowd,  and  almost  paralyzed 
them. 

Mingled  with  these  exclamations  were  shouts  of  rage 
from  those  more  disposed  to  action. 

Julio,  being  the  nearest  was  the  first  to  make  a  spring 
for  the  swaying  body  of  the  Yankee,  but  miscalculating 
the  pendulum  movement  of  his  body  he  was  just  in  time  to 
receive  the  full  impetus  of  his  forward  swing. 

As  a  consequence  he  took  a  sudden  tumble,  bringing 
up  in  the  arms  of  the  nearest  soldiers. 

Roderic  had  good  intentions,  and  was  not  to  be  thwarted 
by  such  minor  disturbances. 

This  must  be  looked  upon  only  as  an  incident,  one  of 
those  petty  affairs  which,  when  grasped  in  the  general 
run  of  events  are  to  be  throttled  and  cast  aside. 

He  continued  his  movement  as  unconcernedly  as  though 
it  were  a  private  instead  of  a  public  exhibition,  which 
feature  was  one  of  the  strongest  points  in  Owen's  general 
make  up. 

Several  of  the  soldiers  seemed  to  have  some  common 
sense  about  them,  or  at  least  found  inspiration  in  the 
action  led  by  Julio,  for  they  too  made  a  forward  move- 


BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY.  209 

ment,  intending  to  clutch  hold  of  Roderic's  swaying  body 
ere  he  could  snatch  it  out  of  their  reach. 

That  they  were  unsuccessful  in  this  endeavor  was  not 
so  much  their  fault  as  their  misfortune,  since  no  one 
could  doubt  the  hearty  enthusiasm  with  which  they  meant 
to  pull  the  Yankee's  leg,  an  undertaking  in  general  at 
which  Spanish  regulars  are  usually  proficient,  especially 
those  who  have  attained  officer's  rank. 

The  girl  came  between  them  and  their  intended  victim 
— she  had  saved  one  Yankee  from  barbarous  treatment 
at  the  hands  of  her  people,  and  having  thus  entered  the 
field  as  a  champion  of  the  oppressed,  considered  that  she 
might  as  well  continue  her  labors. 

Of  course  she  could  not  effectually  bar  the  enthusiastic 
rush  of  the  military  forces,  but  for  a  few  seconds  she 
served  as  an  obstacle  to  their  forward  movement,  and 
even  that  brief  time  was  enough  for  Roderic. 

He  completed  his  deal. 

There  was  at  least  -some  satisfaction  in  the  knowledge 
that  he  stood  temporarily  out  of  the  reach  of  those  who 
would  destroy  him. 

A  partial  success  brings  with  it  new  difficulties,  new 
problems  to  be  solved,  and  one  must  be  always  ready  to 
grapple  with  the  forces  that  are  thrown  to  the  front. 

Owen  did  not  consider  that  he  had  taken  more  than 
the  first  step  toward  safety. 

The  wolves  were  just  below,  clamoring  for  his  blood, 
for  his  sudden  flight  had  crystalized  the  various  shouts 
into  one  mad  outburst  of  rage. 

So  far  as  he  knew  there  was  nothing  to  prevent  some 
of  them  from  copying  his  example ;  he  judged  there  must 
be  athletes  enough  in  the  throng  for  this  business. 

It  was  not  his  purpose  to  remain  there  upon  the  balcony, 


210  BY  WAY  OF  THE  BALCONY. 

and  meet  all  comers  in  a  Greco-Roman  wrestle  for  the 
mastery. 

He  had  started  to  escape,  and  it  were  useless  linger- 
ing longer  in  view  of  the  rapidly  growing  throng. 

One  way  was  open  to  him,  through  the  house  to  which 
the  balcony  was  attached. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST'S. 

SOME  men  have  a  passion  for  the  uncertainties  of 
chance — they  delight  in  wagering  all  they  possess  in  the 
shape  of  filthy  lucre  on  the  turn  of  a  die. 

Doubtless  such  inveterate  gamesters  might  have  found 
some  satisfaction  in  Roderic's  position  when,  upon  turn- 
ing from  the  friendly  balcony  he  pitched  himself  and  his 
fortunes  through  the  open  window  of  the  house. 

All  was  uncertainty  before  him,  and  the  seventh  daugh- 
ter of  a  seventh  daughter  would  have  found  it  extremely 
difficult  to  declare  just  what  turn  fortune's  wheel  was 
about  to  take  for  him. 

Roderic  himself  experienced  no  pleasure  in  this  grop- 
ing in  the  dark,  and  would  have  been  much  better  satis- 
fied could  he  have  known  just  what  lay  before  him. 

However,  there  be  times  when  one  must  accept  philo- 
sophically whatever  favors  the  Fates  choose  to  toss  us 
as  they  go  swinging  past — times  when  action  is  the  only 
resource  left,  and  even  at  that  one  needs  be  wide  awake 
in  order  to  take  advantage  of  the  opportunity. 

When  he  burst  into  the  apartment  Roderic  heard  a 
feminine  shriek,  but  his  only  thought  was  a  door  of 
some  sort  that  would  give  him  egress. 

Fortunately  he  found  this,  more  through  good  luck 
than  anything  else. 

It  brought  him  to  a  hall. 

Few  though  the  seconds  had  been  since  his  departure 

211 


a  12  A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST  S. 

from  the  balcony,  he  could  already  hear  the  lusty  blows 
that  were  being  delivered  upon  the  door  of  the  house, 
which,  unless  of  far  better  material  than  the  average 
doors  in  San  Juan  must  speedily  succumb  before  the  vig- 
orous assault. 

This  meant  that  should  he  descend  to  the  lower  strata 
in  search  of  an  outlet  by  way  of  court  or  garden  or  rear 
exit  of  some  sort  he  might  be  just  in  time  to  be  over- 
whelmed by  the  inflowing  tide  of  eager  hustling  citizens 
and  soldiers. 

At  the  same  time  it  would  never  do  to  stand  still  and 
lose  what  little  advantage  he  had  gained. 

Perhaps  even  now  some  of  his  enemies  were  clambering 
up  to  the  balcony,  since  he  had  shown  them  the  way. 

Roderic  had  at  least  retarded  pursuit  from  that  quarter 
by  closing  the  door  after  quitting  the  apartment  from 
whence  the  dismal  shrieks  sounded  in  a  high  pitched 
female  voice,  and  the  others  might  not  prove  so  success- 
ful in  finding  the  opening  as  he  had  been. 

He  knew  the  peculiarities  of  Spanish  houses. 

In  all  probability  there  was  some  means  of  reaching 
the  roof,  though  he  hardly  expected  to  find  an  azotca  with 
its  flowers  and  place  for  lounging,  as  in  the  better  class 
of  more  isolated  dwellings. 

Thus  it  came  to  pass  that  Roderic  found  himself  crawl- 
ing through  an  opening  at  the  top  of  a  ladder,  and  thus 
reaching  the  outer  air. 

His  enemies  were  giving  tongue  with  all  the  eagerness 
of  a  pack  of  hounds,  and  the  quick  and  thrilling  pulsation 
of  blows  announced  that  as  yet  the  stubborn  door  had 
failed  to  yield  before  their  vigorous  assault. 

Just  then,  however,  a  crash  followed  by  a  chorus  of 
whoops  and  much  laughter  declared  that  success  had 
finally  rewarded  their  effort?. 


A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST  S.  2IJ 

Immediately  the  house  would  be  swarming  with  the 
seekers  after  Yankee  blood — like  rats  they  would  dart 
hither  and  thither,  leaving  no  stone  unturned  in  their 
eagerness  to  find  that  which  was  lost. 

Roderic  gave  them  his  blessing. 

He  had  surveyed  the  situation  and  laid  out  his  plan 
of  action  like  a  wise  general. 

It  was  necessary  that  he  crawl  over  a  number  of  roofs 
before  he  could  think  of  endeavoring  to  touch  ground 
again. 

This  he  managed  to  accomplish  without  discovery  from 
the  street,  and  on  the  whole  he  had  reason  to  be  thankful 
that  no  curious  eyes  had  fastened  upon  him  from  neigh- 
boring buildings. 

Meanwhile  the  searchers  were  having  a  merry  time  of 
it  in  the  house  that  had  been  made  the  object  of  their 
assault — it  sounded  as  if  Bedlam  had  broken  loose  in 
that  quarter,  and  the  shrieks  of  the  terrorized  maiden 
lady  formed  but  a  small  proportion  of  the  chorus  that 
arose. 

Roderic  had  found  his  opportunity  to  leave  the  roof 
and  reach  a  friendly  deserted  balcony. 

From  this  to  the  ground  was  but  a  small  undertaking, 
and  he  managed  to  accomplish  it  with  the  utmost  ease. 

Thus  triumph  had  followed  his  line  of  action. 

He  was  now  free  to  return  to  the  plaza  or  seek  the 
humble  abode  of  his  friend,  under  the  roof  of  which  he 
could  rest  in  peace. 

This  should  apparently  have  been  his  first  thought,  but 
his  action  indicated  that  it  was  far  removed  from  his 
mind. 

Not  that  he  was  in  such  a  reckless  mood  as  to  invite  a 
fresh  attack  from  these  desperadoes  of  the  San  Juan 


214  A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONISTS. 

streets — Roderic  had  simply  become  impressed  with  a 
bright  idea  and  was  bent  upon  carrying  it  out. 

He  had  not  forgotten  that  a  wonderful  fortune  placed 
him  in  communication  with  the  very  girl  whom  he  desired 
to  meet — the  only  one  who  could  tell  him  where  to  find 
Leon  de  Brabant,  because  she  had  fled  with  him  and  was 
in  all  probability  his  wife. 

Such  a  golden  opportunity  should  not  be  neglected. 

Fortune  had  been  kind  but  the  same  chance  might  not 
occur  again. 

To  have  a  few  words  with  her,  to  appoint  a  place  of 
future  meeting,  was  the  magnet  that  held  Owen  to  the 
spot  even  when  ordinary  discretion  should  have  demanded 
that  he  leave  the  dangerous  neighborhood  post  haste. 

It  would  not  be  the  first  time  on  record  that  a  charming 
woman's  presence  has  nailed  a  man  to  danger's  cross,  and 
so  long  as  the  world  lasts  will  the  story  be  repeated. 

He  d5d  not  believe  there  was  much  chance  of  his 
identity  being  discovered,  especially  if  he  could  avoid  the 
keen  eye  of  that  same  Julio  who  had  penetrated  his  dis- 
guise before. 

In  appearance  he  did  not  differ  to  any  material  extent 
from  the  majority  of  those  to  be  seen  in  the  streets  of 
San  Juan. 

Besides,  all  attention  was  at  present  centred  on  the 
luckless  dwelling  that  was  being  overhauled  by  a  miscel- 
laneous assortment  of  soldiers  and  civilians.  Some  of 
these  enthusiasts  had  even  clambered  out  upon  the  roof 
and  were  eagerly  searching  for  the  fugitive  in  that 
quarter. 

Wise  men  have  before  this  time  been  known  to  lock 
the  stable  door  after  the  horse  was  stolen. 

Roderic  was  now  among  those  who  stood  in  the  calle 


A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST'S.  215 

and  chattering  like  a  collection  of  magpies,  kept  their 
regards  fastened  upon  the  wretched  house  whose  balcony 
had  tempted  the  Yankee  and  thus  precipitated  trouble. 

His  one  thought  of  course,  was  the  girl — had  she 
flitted  from  the  spot  because  the  clamor  had  alarmed  her 
soul? 

Perhaps  she  was  not  so  unfamiliar  with  scenes  of  con- 
fusion, since  her  father  had  been  the  governor  of  famous 
old  Morro  Castle,  under  the  walls  of  which  many  a  re- 
markable event  has  occurred  since  the  days  of  the  Vir- 
ginius  affair,  when  American  filibusters  were  shot  down 
by  order  of  the  Spanish  authorities. 

At  any  rate  she  was  still  there,  watching  the  house 
where  so  much  clamor  arose,  twisting  and  untwisting  her 
little  hands  in  nervous  anxiety. 

Thanks  to  Roderic's  vandal  hand  her  pretty  face  was 
no  longer  screened  by  a  veil,  and  more  than  one  rough 
soldier  drank  in  the  outlines  of  her  charming  features 
with  avidity. 

She  was  evidently  deeply  concerned  in  the  outcome  of 
the  search. 

Roderic  should  feel  flattered  at  this  evidence  of  ap- 
proval from  so  sincere  a  source. 

It  was  no  time,  however,  to  indulge  in  any  foolish  spec- 
ulations, or  allow  his  masculine  vanity  a  chance  to  arise. 

Julio  was  still  on  deck,  and  since  his  eyesight  was  ap- 
parently as  sound  as  ever,  despite  his  rough  treatment 
at  the  hands  of  the  Yankee,  it  would  be  a  wretched  mis- 
take to  again  come  under  his  withering  observation,  for 
on  this  occasion  no  friendly  balcony  might  offer  him  an 
asylum  from  the  outstretched  hands  of  the  bolero  dancer's 
excited  allies. 

So  Roderic  approached  the  spot  where  stood  the  girl — - 


2l6  A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST'S. 

he  must  exchange  words  with  her,  no  matter  what  the 
risk  or  the  consequences — at  least  it  was  necessary  that 
some  rendezvous  be  appointed  where  he  could  engage 
her  more  fully  in  conversation. 

With  this  set  object  in  view  he  drew  near,  and  watch- 
ing his  opportunity  whispered : 

"Senorita — Leon's  sister — turn  this  way!" 

She  must  have  heard  him,  for  she  immediately  for- 
got to  watch  the  house  that  was  being  searched,  and 
fastened  her  eyes  on  him. 

Roderic,  fearing  lest  she  might  by  means  of  some  un- 
wise exclamation  draw  Julio's  attention  to  him,  had  a 
finger  on  his  lips,  indicating  caution. 

He  saw  her  start  and  knew  she  immediately  suspected 
his  identity. 

Time  was  most  valuable,  and  it  was  utterly  out  of  the 
question  for  him  to  learn  what  he  desired  while  laboring 
under  such  serious  disadvantages. 

Besides,  it  was  folly  to  run  any  more  risk  than  was 
absolutely  necessary,  and  with  such  a  good  hater  as  the 
dashing  bolero  dancer  only  three  yards  away,  every  second 
he  remained  there  increased  his  danger. 

At  any  rate  he  could  not  blame  Leon  for  falling  in  love 
with  such  a  charming  creature  as  the  governor's  daughter 
— Roderic  considered  himself  a  fair  judge  of  beauty, 
even  if  he  were  not  a  connoisseur,  and  he  saw  a  vision 
of  loveliness  before  him  that  might  easily  have  disturbed 
the  sternest  old  anchorite. 

Another  thing — he  discovered  traces  of  distinct  re- 
semblance between  this  girl  and  the  handsome  Julio,  so 
that  a  suspicion  as  to  their  possible  relationship  flashed 
into  his  mind. 

"Never  mind  how  I  escaped— I  am  here  to  speak  to 


A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST  S.  217 

you.  My  object  in  entering  this  city  is  to  find  Leon — 
you  must  take  me  to  him — it  is  the  price  of  my  happiness 
with  Georgia — when  and  where  can  I  see  you  again — 
appoint  a  rendezvous,  I  pray  you." 

This  is  what  he  said  hastily  almost  in  her  pretty  ear — 
she  was  quick  of  comprehension,  and  by  the  look  upon  her 
face  he  knew  she  had  grasped  the  situation. 

One  glance  she  shot  toward  Julio,  who  just  at  the 
moment  semed  deeply  engrossed  with  the  antics  of  the 
men  who  were  running  over  the  roofs  like  a  lot  of  mon- 
keys. 

Roderic  pressed  even  closer,  eager  to  hear  what  she 
might  say,  since  it  concerned  his  future  state  as  connected 
with  Georgia. 

"At  Senor  Pedro  Sanchez  the  tobacconist',  on  the  Grand 
Plaza — at  eight  o'clock — to-morrow — Madre  de  Dios  pro- 
tect you,  senor !  Do  not  longer  delay !" 

It  was  enough. 

He  knew  he  could  find  the  place  and  keep  the  appoint- 
ment. Her  warning  was  well  timed  too,  for  just  as  he 
turned  away  Julio  came  to  her  side. 

It  was  a  rare  piece  of  good  fortune  that  had  kept  him 
away  thus  long. 

Julio  seemed  uneasy  and  suspicious — he  even  glanced 
sharply  at  every  one  near  by  as  though  some  inward 
monitor  warned  him  he  was  being  outgeneraled. 

The  bystanders  were  to  all  appearances  quite  innocent 
of  wrong  intentions,  and  he  could  not  run  after  the  man 
who  walked  away  so  composedly,  demanding  that  he  then 
and  there  give  an  account  of  himself — those  in  whose 
veins  bounds  the  hot  blood  of  Spain  stand  no  such  per- 
emptory challenges  as  that,  and  the  answer  just  as  likely 
as  not  would  be  the  drawn  arm,  the  glint  of  polished 


2l8  A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST'S. 

steel,  the  thud  of  a  cuchillo  striking  home — ugh!  he 
wanted  not  of  that  sort. 

Oh!  yes,  Julio  knew  all  about  this,  for  his  education 
while  neglected  in  some  other  particulars  was  quite  up 
to  date  when  it  came  to  the  stir  and  danger  of  war — he 
had  been  through  many  a  little  engagement  himself 
during  his  checkered  career,  and  knew  just  what  he 
would  do  under  similar  conditions. 

Wherefore  his  exceeding  caution. 

It  was  the  development  of  this  trait  that  had  given 
Julio  so  long  a  lease  on  life  in  spite  of  his  many  entangle- 
ments. 

Roderic  now  made  it  his  business  to  quit  the  stirring 
locality. 

Little  he  cared  to  what  lengths  the  mob  went  in  their 
vigorous  search — they  could  tear  the  old  town  wide  open ; 
but  he  had  good  reason  to  doubt  whether  they  would  re- 
ceive any  reward,  since  it  was  himself  they  sought,  and 
he  had  high  hopes  of  continuing  to  avoid  their  clutches. 

The  morning  would  find  him  on  the  plaza,  with  his 
eyes  fastened  upon  the  tobacconist's  jaunty  little  shop — 
did  he  not  know  it  well,  for  had  he  not  many  a  time  in 
the  past  loitered  in  that  same  queer  establishment,  se- 
lecting prime  weeds  from  Senor  Pedro's  carefully  ar- 
ranged stock,  and  discussing  the  affairs  of  the  universe 
with  the  white  bearded  philosopher  who  guided  the  des- 
tinies of  the  rendezvous  where  men  met  and  formed  plans 
and  sought  advice. 

Ah !  that  was  in  the  good  days  of  long  ago,  before 
San  Juan  had  heard  the  deep  growl  of  hostile  Yankee 
guns,  before  it  was  a  capital  offense  to  be  known  as  an 
American  in  Porto  Rico — halcyon  days  when  Love's 
brush  painted  all  around  him  a  rosy  hue,  when  life's 
horizon  knew  no  cloud. 


A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST'S.  219 

Since  then  he  had  suffered  much,  but  thank  heaven 
it  seemed  as  though  the  old  state  was  about  to  once  more 
come  upon  him,  and  gold  is  doubly  precious  when  re- 
fined by  fire. 

The  clamor  and  confusion  was  left  behind  as  he 
passed  along  various  narrow  streets,  heading  once  again 
toward  the  Plaza  Cristobal  Colon. 

Minor  things  attracted  him  as  in  the  happy  past  when 
he  knew  no  care — he  even  stopped  where  the  sound  of 
guitars  announced  some  entertainment  under  a  canvas 
shelter,  and  found  his  old  acquaintances  the  gypsies  in 
their  weird  dance,  dark  skinned  sons  and  daughters  of  the 
warm  Sierra  Morena  valleys. 

Other  scenes,  common  enough  in  this  section  of  the 
capital,  drew  his  attention,  and  he  found  a  peculiar  joy 
in  watching  two  humble  lovers,  he  with  his  sturdy  arm 
about  the  maiden's  waist,  strolling  along  just  beyond. 

Well  satisfied  with  what  had  come  to  pass  on  this 
particular  night  Roderic  reached  the  cottage  home  of 
his  Cuban  friend,  and  giving  the  signal  knock  was  ad- 
mitted. 

Wearied  in  body  yet  with  a  mind  relieved  from  all 
care  he  sought  and  found  rest  in  sleep. 

With  the  coming  of  morning  he  was  astir. 

Every  one  rises  early  in  San  Juan,  for  there  is  life 
and  vigor  in  the  bracing  air,  a  tonic  that  becomes  a 
necessity  to  these  people  who  live  in  a  semi-tropical  region 
that  has  never  known  frost,  and  where  midday  is  stifling. 

Roderic  had  more  than  ordinary  reasons  for  rising 
early  on  this  morning — one  can  look  with  considerable 
pleasure  upon  that  day  whose  dawn  promises  to  usher  in 
the  greatest  blessing  on  earth  for  him,  and  this  was  the 
extent  of  his  hopes  in  connection  with  the  governor's 
daughter  who  had  saved  Leon. 


220  A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST'S. 

When  he  issued  forth  he  found  that  an  unusual  stir 
pervaded  the  town. 

Some  military  movement  was  on  the  tapis,  and  he  pre- 
sumed that  it  could  only  be  one  of  considerable  import- 
ance, judging  from  the  bustle  that  pervaded  even  this 
portion  of  the  town. 

Maneuvers  were  usually  confined  to  those  sections 
where  the  streets  were  wider  and  a  better  class  of  citizens 
could  enjoy  the  brilliant  spectacle;  for  no  soldiers  like 
appreciation  more  than  those  of  Spain. 

Curiosity  might  have  led  Roderic  to  look  into  this 
matter  a  little  more  deeply,  but  just  at  present  he  had 
his  time  well  occupied,  and  besides,  it  mattered  very  little 
to  General  Miles  what  the  soldier  garrison  of  San  Juan  did, 
since  they  were  doomed  to  capture  at  no  distant  day, 
squirm  and  struggle  as  they  pleased. 

Breakfast  first,  and  this  he  secured  at  a  cafe  where 
many  men  had  gathered  to  drink  their  coffee  and  talk 
over  the  exciting  events  about  to  transpire  in  the  Antilles. 
They  had  no  hesitation  in  expressing  sympathy  with  the 
American  arms  for  this  was  not  Cuba — even  the  Spanish 
soldiers  in  Porto  Rico  had  a  leaning  toward  the  Yankees 
— there  was  far  less  bitterness  shown  than  in  Havana, 
for  the  people  were  more  independent.  The  sensation  of 
liberty  was  in  the  air,  and  men  seemed  to  feel  the  new 
strength  that  was  soon  to  make  them  a  section  of  the 
Western  giant — they  had  known  for  some  time  what  Des- 
tiny had  in  store  for  Porto  Rico,  and  patiently  awaited 
the  glorious  dawn  of  that  blessed  day,  instead  of  the 
useless  struggles  of  years,  that  would  sap  their  powers, 
and  blight  their  beloved  land,  even  as  Cuba  had  been,  with 
the  incendiary's  torch  and  the  bushwhacker's  rifle. 

The  day  for  their  reward  was  coming,  and  once  the 


A  RENDEZVOUS  AT  THE  TOBACCONIST'S.  221 

stars  and  stripes  had  been  planted  on  Spain's  colony's 
sacred  soil,  it  was  there  to  stay,  whether  that  land  be 
Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  the  Ladrones  or  the  far  away  Philip- 
pines. 

It  was  now  near  the  hour  when  he  had  agreed  to  meet 
the  girl,  so  Roderic  made  his  way  toward  the  plaza. 
While  this  place  lacked  much  of  the  charm  that  is  always 
associated  with  myriads  of  lights,  moving  gayly  dressed 
throngs  and  stirring  open  air  concerts,  it  was  full  of 
people  about  this  hour  of  the  day  since  the  summer  sun 
would  chase  people  indoors  long  before  noon. 

He  came  down  in  the  quarter  where  the  quaint  little 
shop  of  the  tobacconist  was  to  be  found,  and  kept  his 
eyes  eagerly  on  the  alert  for  a  figure  that  would,  as  he 
remembered,  remind  him  of  Georgia's. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

THE   MONSTER    COMES   AGAIN. 

AT  FIRST  Roderic  only  met  with  disappointment,  for 
while  people  were  continually  passing,  and  some  even 
went  in  and  out  of  Senor  Pedro's  little  shop,  none  upon 
whom  his  observation  fell  seemed  to  bear  any  resem- 
blance to  the  one  for  whom  he  sought. 

This  suspense  only  increased  his  eagerness. 

No  doubt  it  would  have  been  stronger  had  he  expected 
to  meet  Georgia ;  but  his  business  on  this  August  morning 
was  closely  connected  with  her  after  all,  since  in  the 
governor's  daughter  he  saw,  not  a  beautiful  girl  who  had 
fascinated  him  but  a  messenger  bringing  hopes  of  a  bright 
future. 

For  once  Roderic  was  unconscious  of  the  fact  that 
he  seemed  to  be  an  object  of  deep  interest  to  some  mem- 
ber of  the  fair  sex  seated  on  a  balcony  not  far  away. 

She  had  her  face  partially  concealed  by  the  filmy  lace 
so  thoroughly  a  part  of  a  Spanish  woman's  toilet,  and 
this  she  manipulated  in  such  a  way  that  even  a  dear  friend 
passing  by  might  never  have  suspected  her  identity. 

Something  about  Roderic  appeared  to  have  attracted 
her  attention — perhaps  it  was  the  fact  of  his  haunting 
that  immediate  vicinity,  perhaps  his  manly  showing  that 
appealed  to  her  heart,  it  might  even  be  possible  that  she 
believed  she  knew  him. 

Many  opportunities  were  given  for  a  careful  examina- 
tion of  his  walk  and  carriage,  and  the  more  this  unknown 


THE    MONSTER    COMES    AGAIN.  2 23 

senorita  looked  the  deeper  grew  her  interest  until  at  last 
she  exclaimed  softly,  yet  with  no  little  rapture: 

"Madre  de  Dios!  it  is  no  other  than  he — there  cannot 
be  two  men  so  fashioned  by  Heaven,  so  perfect  in  figure, 
so  brave  in  movement,  so  altogether  charming;  but  what 
does  he  seek — what  the  object  of  his  tramp  back  and 
forward  ?" 

Evidently  milady  of  the  balcony  entertained  the  warm- 
est affection  for  the  party  whose  identity  she  thought  she 
had  discovered  under  Roderic's  disguise. 

Her  curiosity  being  aroused  she  began  to  cast  about  for 
some  object  that  would  explain  this  sentinel  tramp  of  the 
man  on  the  plaza. 

It  was  not  long  before  she  decided  that  his  interest 
was  wholly  taken  up  with  the  little  shop  of  the  plaza 
tobacconist. 

Now  doubtless  the  quaint  establishment  of  Senor  Pedro 
was  a  gem  in  its  way,  and  worthy  of  considerable  notice 
— she  chanced  to  know  it  well  and  that  many  lovers  were 
wont  to  designate  it  as  a  point  near  which  they  appointed 
a  rendezvous — indeed,  certain  tender  memories  even  made 
h«r  gentle  bosom  heave,  and  a  sigh  escaped  her  lips  as 
she  looked  again  at  the  shop. 

But  there  must  be  some  other  reason  why  this  man 
of  the  striking  figure,  and  walk  so  energetic,  so  different 
from  the  usual  run  of  Spaniard  or  native  Porto  Rican 
should  haunt  the  vicinity. 

"Ah !  he  expects  some  one — he  has  friends  in  San  Juan 
he  said — it  is  a  rendezvous  for  business.  How  little  does 
he  dream  that  eyes  filled  with  tender  love  are  on  him. 
I  do  not  think  I  can  much  longer  refrain  from  letting  him 
know — our  old  signal,  ah !  how  he  would  hasten  thither 
did  I  but  dare  to  give  it.  The  temptation  is  irresistible. 


224  THE    MONSTER    COMES    AGAIN. 

Carramba!  I  love  him  so,  why  should  I  resist  since  he  is 
mine.  How  he  will  turn  and  look  around,  and  when  I 
make  one  beckoning  movement,  ah,  me,  with  the  speed 
of  love  he  will  fly  to  me.  All  else  is  forgotten — my 
hungry  heart  clamors  for  the  sound  of  his  voice,  which 
is  life  and  light  to  me.  Yes,  I  will  cast  prudence  to  the 
winds — the  spell  of  his  presence  is  over  me — to  feel  the 
warm  clasp  of  his  hand,  to  hear  his  voice  that  has  haunted 
my  dreams  tell  me  again  how  he  loves  only  me — ah,  that 
will  be  Heaven  on  earth.  And  to  think  I  can  enter  Para- 
dise just  by  one  little  bird  whistle — ah!  what  delightful 
suspense  while  I  linger  and  anticipate ;  but  it  is  cruelty  to 
him  I  love.  So  then,  the  signal  that  has  often  in  the  past 
called  him  to  my  side." 

It  chanced,  howrever,  that  whatever  this  signal  may 
have  been  she  did  not  make  it  just  then. 

On  the  contrary,  bending  forward  she  watched  the  man 
on  the  plaza  with  new  interest,  a  different  feeling  having 
crept  like  an  icy  hand  into  her  heart. 

There  was  reason. 

Roderic's  slow  saunter  had  become  a  quick  walk,  and 
in  his  whole  attitude  could  be  seen  an  eagerness  that  ani- 
mated his  frame — in  a  word  he  had  become  electrified. 

No  signal  had  been  given,  but  his  eyes  had  fallen  upon 
a  veiled  female  figure  that  came  along  the  plaza. 

They  would  meet  in  front  of  Senor  Pedro's  establish- 
ment, just  as  scores  of  couples  had  met  time  without 
mind. 

This  fact  appeared  to  stamp  itself  upon  the  mind  of 
the  looker  on — it  was  apparently  one  of  the  first  things 
she  thought  of. 

"The  same  place  that  was  so  sacred  to  me,  and  he 
goes  to  greet  another  there.  Am  I  awake  or  is  this  some 


THE    MONSTER    COMES    AGAIN.  225 

terrible  dream.  See,  they  meet,  he  holds  out  his  hand — 
how  eagerly  he  takes  hers  and  raises  it  to  his  lips.  And 
she — I  cannot  see  her  face,  but  what  is  this — so  like  in 
figure  in  her  walk — surely  my  soul  remains  here  on  the 
balcony  while  my  human  form  has  gone  to  meet  its  king. 
And  yet — and  yet,  how  can  it  be  so?  Would  to  Heaven 
she  might  but  remove  her  veil  if  but  for  one  moment  that 
I  might  see  whether  I  dream  or  really  see  him  with  an- 
other. Could  she  have  heard  my  wish — she  raises  her 
hand,  she  brushes  aside  the  veil  as  though  he  but  had  to 
ask  the  favor.  Be  still,  treacherous,  sorely  wounded 
heart.  What  beauty,  what  ravishing  charms  be  in  that 
face.  And  how  I  could  hate  it  if,  perdition  take  the 
thought,  it  has  come  between  us!" 

All  desire  to  give  the  signal  had  now  fled. 

She  simply  crouched  there  in  the  balcony  with  a  bruised 
heart,  smothering  her  groans,  and  watched  the  couple 
sauntering  about  the  plaza. 

Roderic,  poor  fellow,  utterly  unconscious  of  the  fact 
that  he  was  giving  pain  to  a  heart  that  yearned  for  him, 
continued  to  promenade  with  the  governor's  daughter. 

There  were  others  on  the  plaza,  and  the  couple  at- 
tracted no  particular  attention  save  from  this  one  inter- 
ested quarter. 

Of  course  he  was  deeply  interested  in  what  his  compan- 
ion was  saying. 

It  had  a  very  intimate  association  with  the  happy  and 
glorious  future  he  had  mapped  out  for  himself  and  the 
girl  he  loved. 

Perhaps  his  manner  appeared  devoted  according  to  the 
film  that  jealousy  cast  upon  the  eyes  of  she  who  watched 
from  above. 

But  surely  Roderic  did  not  mean  it  to  be  so. 


226  THE    MONSTER    COMES    AGAIN. 

The  governor's  daughter  came  to  him  as  a  messenger, 
an  angel  bearing  good  news,  and  as  a  gentleman  how 
could  he  be  other  than  attentive — who  could  be  a  boor 
when  his  companion  was  a  pretty  woman? 

Alas!  he  little  suspected  how  in  the  eager  effort  to 
further  the  cause  of  his  happiness  he  was  heaping  up  coals 
of  fire  with  which  to  inflict  torture  upon  himself  and  she 
whom  he  loved. 

When  all  had  been  told  and  arrangements  made  for 
a  future  meeting,  the  girl  left  him. 

Roderic  had  imbibed  some  of  the  courtly  ways  of  these 
people,  and  it  was  not  at  all  strange  that  he  should  again 
raise  the  hand  she  gave  him  to  his  lips. 

The  action  however,  might  be  misconstrued. 

He  had  heard  much  that  interested  him,  and  besides 
found  desperate  work  cut  out  ahead,  if  he  hoped  to  save 
Leon,  who  was  in  deadly  danger. 

Hence,  when  once  more  alone  he  thought  to  indulge 
in  a  cigar  so  that  he  might  consider  the  whole  case,  and 
form  plans  for  the  immediate  future.  To  those  who  are 
accustomed  to  the  solace  of  a  weed  the  necessity  of  this 
step  can  be  understood  and  needs  no  apology. 

Roderic,  having  a  glorious  destiny  opening  before 
him,  and  being  in  the  possession  of  unbounded  health 
and  strength,  enjoyed  the  first  part  of  that  cigar  im- 
mensely. 

He  never  knew  what  the  balance  was  like. 

For  a  shock  came  upon  him,  a  shock  that  was  entirely 
unexpected,  and  which  left  him  so  stunned  that  a  Wheel- 
ing stogie  would  have  appeared  as  a  prime  Havana  in 
his  estimation. 

What  more  could  be  said  ? 

As  he  turned  in  his  walk  he  suddenly  discovered  a 


THE  MONSTER  COMES  AGAIN.  227 

veiled  figure  approaching — walk  and  figure  declared  that 
it  could  be  no  other  than  the  governor's  daughter — she 
had  forgotten  something  and  had  returned  to  tell  him. 

Rodericks  step  quickened  as  he  hastened  to  meet  her 
now  faltering  advance. 

Naturally  enough  he  smiled  pleasantly — why  not,  under 
such  conditions  ? 

Alas!  that  one's  motives  may  be  misconstrued — that  a 
fever  raging  in  the  heart  may  distort  even  the  most  com- 
mon-place action. 

"Ah!  you  have  relented — you  will  not  tear  yourself 
away  so  soon — you  have  thought  of  something  else  that 
may  have  an  importance  bearing  upon  our  plans — plans 
that  if  properly  carried  out  mean  happiness  for  both  of 
us.  Yes,  I  rejoice  to  see  you  return,  as  I  was  in  some- 
thing of  a  dilemma  and  perhaps  you  can  help  me  out." 

He  had  extended  his  hand  impulsively  but  she  refused 
to  see  it. 

"You  are  not  angry,  senorita — I  have  not  offended  you 
in  any  way,  I  trust:  I  should  never  forgive  myself  if  it 
were  so,"  he  said. 

Perhaps  the  anxiety  in  his  tone  was  strong — at  any  rate 
she  seemed  to  tremble  with  half  suppressed  emotion  and 
shrank  back. 

Roderic  became  more  impressed  and  concerned. 

"You  do  not  speak — you  are  offended,  clown  that  I  am 
to  have  said  or  done  something  unwittingly  that  has  hurt 
your  feelings.  Senorita,  pray  pardon  me — restore  me 
to  your  favor,  I  beg." 

While  he  was  thus  apologizing,  for  what  he  himself  did 
not  have  the  least  idea,  Roderic  could  not  refrain  from 
thoughts  of  an  altogether  different  nature,  and  which 
must  have  run  something  in  this  vein : 


228  THE  MONSTER  COMES  AGAIN. 

"Now  bless  my  soul  if  I  know  what  to  do  in  such  a 
case.  Ten  minutes  ago  she  left  me  full  of  spirits  and 
as  warmly  disposed  as  one  could  wish — now  she  returns 
and  deigns  not  to  even  accept  my  hand.  Duse  take  it, 
women  are  all  alike,  mysteries  to  me.  What  have  I  done 
in  the  interim — lighted  a  cigar  and  wrapped  myself  up 
in  thought.  It's  a  good  enough  cigar,  too,"  casting  a 
dubious  glance  at  the  weed  as  if  some  vague  and  mon- 
strous suspicion  had  arisen  in  his  mind  that  the  inoffen- 
sive weed  might  have  something  to  do  with  the  matter. 

Then  light  broke  in  upon  him — it  came  from  her. 

"I  do  not  speak,  you  say — it  is  because  I  am  over- 
come with  surprise,  mortification,  despair — because  I  have 
learned  that  you  have  deceived  me,  that  you  are  a  traitor !" 
came  from  under  the  veil. 

Roderic  was  almost  paralyzed  at  first. 

The  figure,  the  walk  might  be  that  of  the  governor's 
daughter,  but  the  voice  was  no  other  than  Georgia's. 

Over  his  face  flashed  a  look  of  joy,  for  his  heart  leaped 
to  meet  its  mistress. 

"Georgia — is  it  you — I  thought,  I  believed — " 

She  stopped  his  stammering  exclamations  of  mingled 
delight  and  explanation. 

"I  do  not  care  to  hear  what  you  would  say,  Senor 
Owen.  After  this  day,  this  hour,  we  must  meet  as 
strangers,"  she  said,  with  difficulty  controlling  her  emo- 
tion. 

"This  is  cruel — you  cannot  mean  it,  when  I  am  risk- 
ing my  life  here  in  your  cause.  You  say  that  but  to  prove 
me,  Georgia." 

"I  mean  every  word  of  it.  Think  not  I  have  no  eyes, 
Senor  Owen — I  have  seen  all.  Doubtless  your  risk  has 
been  considerably  ameliorated  by  the  pleasant  company 
you  are  forced  to  seek." 


THE  MONSTER  COMES  AGAIN.  229 

Then  he  knew  what  she  meant. 

The  shoe  was  on  the  other  foot — it  had  come  her  turn 
to  show  jealousy. 

"Georgia,  I  can  explain  everything " 

"I  refuse  to  listen,  knowing  how  weak  I  should  be  under 
the  sound  of  your  voice." 

"I  swear  you  wrong  me." 

"Senor,  I  saw  everything — you  might  tell  me  a  wonder- 
ful tale,  but  I  could  never  forget." 

"Georgia,  for  the  last  time  I  implore  you  to  give  me 
.a  hearing — that  girl " 

"Stop,  do  not  dare  to  mention  her  to  me,  sir.  I  refuse 
to  hear  even  her  name." 

She  had  thrown  back  her  veil,  showing  her  indignant 
face,  her  blazing  midnight  eyes  and  Roderic,  who  had 
never  yet  seen  her  in  this  mood  was  appalled. 

"Since  you  command  it  I  shall  say  no  more.  Once  I 
condemned  you  unheard  and  God  knows  I  paid  dearly 
for  the  error.  Now,  with  even  less  reason  you  have  ac- 
cused me,  and  refuse  to  let  me  explain.  Very  good, 
senorita,  I  too  can  be  proud — it  must  be  you  who  bridges 
over  this  abyss  if  it  is  ever  accomplished.  Meanwhile 
I  shall  go  my  way  and  find  Leon,  thanks  to  the  lady  you 
have  so  bitterly  condemned." 

He  turned  with  a  bow  and  left  her  there. 

Roderic  was  cut  to  the  quick  to  think  that  she  could 
suspect  him  of  being  unfaithful  after  all  he  had  given 
up  for  her  sake. 

*It  might  seem  as  though  he  would  have  great  patience 
with  one  whom  he  loved  and  who  was  passing  through 
the  same  bitter  error  that  had  once  engulfed  him. 

Alas !  human  nature  is  not  so  constituted. 

His  pride  was  touched  and  he  believed  he  had 
gone  far  enough  to  explain. 


230  THE  MONSTER  COMES  AGAIN. 

Ten  words,  had  she  allowed  him  to  say  them,  would 
have  removed  the  cause  for  doubt  and  suspicion;  but  as 
imperiously  as  a  young  queen,  she  had  forbidden  him 
to  speak,  and  therefore  like  a  lamb  led  to  the  altar  he 
would  not  open  his  mouth  again  to  plead  his  cause. 

The  hour  would  come,  when  Leon  was  restored  to  her, 
and  she  saw  in  his  devoted  wife  the  lovely  woman  whose 
association  with  Roderic  had  so  aroused  her  jealousy — 
that  hour  would  witness  his  triumph — it  would  balance 
the  account  and  thus  they  could  start  afresh. 

So  Roderic  indulged  in  philosophical  reflections  to 
bolster  up  his  courage. 

But  he  smoked  no  more  that  morning. 

Georgia  had  stood  there  where  he  had  left  her  as 
though  incapable  of  action — once  she  stretched  out  a 
hand  after  his  retreating  form,  and  a  low  cry  bubbled 
from  her  lips,  now  hidden  by  the  veil;  but  by  no  move- 
ment or  outcry  did  she  attempt  to  recall  him. 

"It  is  better  that  I  should  die  than  live  to  be  deceived. 
He  would  explain,  but  how  could  my  eyes  deceive  me? 
And  she  was  so  beautiful,  when  he  kissed  her  hand.  Oh ! 
it  was  cruel,  and  he,  my  Roderic  is  like  all  men,  a  per- 
fidious monster.  I  may  not  forget  him  but  I  shall  try 
to  learn  to  hate  him." 

Evidently  she  believed  she  had  a  big  contract  on  hand. 
Then  her  better  nature,  urged  by  the  love  that  nestled  in 
her  heart,  had  an  inning. 

"He  kissed  her  hand — true,  yet  since  when  has  that 
become  a  crime  that  men  should  be  condemned  because 
of  it?  Last  night  did  not  General  Parrado  raise  my 
hand  to  his  lips  respectfully.  I  wonder  whether  he  was 
pilloried  for  it  this  morning  by  the  Lady  who  Must  be 
Obeyed.  What  did  he  say — "find  Leon,  thanks  to  the 


THE    MONSTER    COMES   AGAIN.  231 

lady  you  have  so  bitterly  condemned."  Have  I  done 
wrong — is  he  still  true  ?  Oh !  weak  heart,  how  you  cling- 
to  your  idol — oh !  yearning  soul,  with  what  power  may 
I  tear  your  clinging  tendrils  away  from  the  oak  around 
which  they  have  grown?  It  will  be  death  to  the  vine — 
death  to  poor  wretched  me." 

She  returned  slowly  to  the  house,  hoping  that  Roderic 
would  repent  his  rash  resolve  and  return  to  give  her  an- 
other chance. 

But  alas,  he  came  not,  for  the  wound  was  too  fresh, 
and  the  salt  that  had  been  rubbed  into  it  smarted  too 
fiercely. 

Upon  the  balcony  Georgia  spent  all  of  the  day  save 
the  hours  for  siesta — she  watched  eagerly  those  who 
went  up  and  down  the  plaza,  yet  no  sign  came  from  the 
one  beloved. 

By  degrees  the  full  realization  of  her  desolation  came 
upon  her. 

"I  have  chased  him  from  me — with  scorn  and  bitter- 
ness have  I  sent  my  Roderic  away,  and  he  will  come  no 
more.  Woe  is  me,  wretched  Georgia.  He  swore  by  the 
stars,  by  everything  he  held  sacred,  yes,  even  by  the 
grave  of  his  sainted  mother  that  he  loved  only  me.  And 
I  have  refused  to  hear  him.  He  will  never  seek  me  again. 
Night's  shades  are  falling  and  without  his  assistance  I 
must  venture  into  the  jaws  of  danger — for  Leon's  sake. 
Heaven  forgive  me  and  crush  my  haughty  heart  because 
it  has  made  him  suffer.  Heaven  give  me  a  chance  to 
atone  for  my  pride,  for  the  insult  put  upon  him." 

And  thus  lamenting  the  prettiest  girl  in  all  San  Juan 
saw  the  lights  begin  to  gleam  in  the  island  capital. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS. 

THERE  was  one  remarkably  good  trait  about  Owen — he 
had  a  powerful  will,  and  when  he  chose  could  concen- 
trate all  his  abilities  upon  a  certain  subject,  to  the  ex- 
clusion of  everything  else. 

It  pleased  him  to  nurse  his  grievances  for  a  time — what 
badly  used  biped  would  not  be  addicted  to  the  same 
luxury. 

.  Then,  with  a  mighty  upheaval  he  cast  the  whole  load 
from  him. 

The  public  weal  demanded  his  full  attention  and  private 
woes  must  take  a  back  seat. 

For  the  present,  therefore,  he  effaced  cruel  Georgia 
from  his  mind,  and  resolutely  set  his  shoulder  to  the 
wheel. 

Roderic  was  himself  again,  calm,  shrewd  and  with  a 
contempt  for  danger  that  might  take  him  to  the  border 
land  of  reckless  endeavor,  though  he  usually  knew  how 
to  check  this  in  good  time  to  make  it  a  servant  rather 
than  a  master. 

The  day  had  gone. 

Alas!  he  had  thought  to  mark  it  down  with  a  white 
cross  as  one  that  would  take  him  a  long  step  nearer  Ely- 
sium; but  instead  it  was  to  be  distinguished  by  a  red 
mark. 

Was  there  a  fatality  in  his  love  for  Georgia? 

Were  they  doomed  never  to  know  happiness? 
232 


TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS.  233 

That  was  the  last  uneasy  thought  that  came  to  him  ere 
he  shut  the  whole  scene  out  of  his  mind,  as  a  rain  squall 
envelopes  the  landscape. 

It  was  no  ordinary  affair  which  Roderic  now  took  up ; 
at  least  it  promised  to  afford  considerable  danger,  and 
would  call  for  a  display  of  energy  on  his  part,  of  no 
mean  calibre. 

He  went  into  it  with  a  grim  feeling  such  as  he  could 
not  remember  experiencing  on  any  previous  occasion. 

Perhaps  this  was  caused  in  part  by  the  dead  weight 
upon  his  mind,  for  it  was  singular  that  he  should  be  plac- 
ing his  life  in  jeopardy  in  order  to  please  a  girl  who  had 
jilted  him,  cast  him  aside  like  a  worn-out  glove. 

It  added  to  the  piquancy  of  the  thing,  but  Roderic  could 
not  say  he  hoped  for  a  repetition. 

The  governor's  daughter  had  given  him  strange  in- 
formation about  Leon. 

This  brother  of  Georgia  seemed  fated  to  see  the  inside 
of  more  than  one  Spanish  prison.  His  experience  in 
Morro  Castle,  from  whence  he  escaped  through  the 
assistance  of  the  girl  who  had  fallen  in  love  with  him, 
one  would  think  must  have  been  quite  enough  in  that 
line;  but  he  had  somehow  or  other  again  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  his  foes. 

Thus  it  happened  that  he  had  been  in  the  San  Juan 
prison,  condemned  to  exile,  on  the  morning  of  the  mem- 
orable twelfth  of  May,  when  about  daybreak  Sampson's 
powerful  fleet  opened  on  the  forts  and  were  in  turn 
barked  at  by  the  bold  Spanish  gunners,  who  showed 
their  bravery  if  they  did  no  damage. 

It  happened  that  the  prison  was  probably  the  most  ex- 
posed building  in  the  city,  lying  as  it  did  between  the  fleet 
and  the  pulverine,  the  gallery  of  it  fronting  on  the  harbor. 


234  TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS. 

Without  warning  a  shell  exploded  in  the  wall,  and 
that  side  of  the  building  became  a  wreck. 

Bricks  and  debris  flew  in  every  direction,  and  all  who 
were  in  the  apartment  with  Leon  found  themselves  on 
their  backs. 

Such  a  chorus  of  frightened  shouts  went  up — demor- 
alization reigned  supreme. 

But  Leon,  who  had  not  been  seriously  injured,  was 
quick  to  see  that  once  again  the  Providence  that  seemed 
to  watch  over  his  fortunes  had  interposed  in  a  miracu- 
lous manner  to  save  him — the  Yankee  shell  in  its  in- 
quisitive search  for  the  most  available  Spanish  property 
to  destroy  had  torn  out  almost  one  side  of  the  prison,  and 
through  the  gaping  aperture  freedom  beckoned. 

So  he  had  crawled  out,  covered  with  dust  and  bear- 
ing several  wounds  where  the  flying  bricks  had'  come 
in  contact  with  his  person. 

Two  days  later  he  had  been  again  seized,  being  be- 
trayed by  a  negro  in  whom  he  and  his  lovely  wife  had 
unwisely  placed  confidence. 

From  that  day  on  he  had  been  kept  in  close  confinement, 
and  finally  again  brought  to  trial.  This  time  conviction 
was  followed  with  a  still  more  severe  penalty — he  was 
doomed  to  be  shot. 

Roderic  learned  the  whole  story — it  would  not  pay  to 
take  time  to  give  the  details — one  who  had  sought  the 
governor's  daughter's  hand  and  been  coldly  received  had 
been  elevated  to  a  high  military  position  in  Porto  Rico, 
and  found  himself  in  a  way  to  visit  his  miserable  dis- 
pleasure upon  the  man  who  succeeded  where  he  failed. 

Perhaps  he  hoped  to  win  the  widow — Heaven  only 
knows,  for  some  knaves  have  assurance  enough  to  offer 
a  hand  red  with  a  husband's  blood  to  the  heart-broken 
beauty  who  mourns  his  loss. 


TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS.  235 

At  any  rate  this  was  the  situation  that  demanded  Rod- 
eric's  attention. 

It  was  serious  enough  to  call  for  determined  effort  on 
his  part. 

True,  he  had  never  as  yet  met  Leon,  but  somehow  a 
deep  interest  in  the  young  Porto  Rican's  fate  had  taken 
possession  of  him — when  a  man  has  supped  many  times 
with  adventure,  he  experiences  a  sympathetic  feeling  for 
one  who  had  also  rubbed  up  against  the  hard  side  of 
life. 

Besides,  Leon  was  her  brother,  and  anything  that  was 
in  the  remotest  degree  connected  with  Georgia  appealed 
to  his  chivalrous  nature. 

Last  of  all  he  had  promised,  aye,  taken  a  solemn  vow, 
that  he  would  find  Leon,  and  this  being  interpreted  meant 
that  should  the  young  man  be  in  a  predicament  of  any 
sort  it  would  be  his  business  and  his  pleasure  to  succor 
him  if  such  a  thing  lay  in  the  bounds  of  human  posi- 
bility. 

Roderic  had  means  of  communication  abroad. 

A  cablegram  sent  from  Europe  to  a  certain  correspond- 
ent in  New  York  would  be  immediately  transmitted  to 
another  point  in  the  West  Indies,  possibly  San  Domingo, 
where  the  message  would  be  put  in  the  form  of  a  letter 
and  sent  to  an  imaginary  Spaniard  at  San  Juan. 

Thus  it  happened  that  when  he  returned  to  the  humble 
roof  that  sheltered  him,  when  evening  drew  on  apace,  he 
found  there  a  well  thumbed  missive  which  upon  being 
hastily  opened  contained  this  sanguine  message: 

"Have  broken  the  bank  at  Monte  Carlo.  Will  sail  to 
join  you  to-morrow." 

Roderic  laughed — he  could  not  help  it. 

Darby  had  longed  for  a  chance  to  try  some  peculiar 


236  TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS. 

combination  he  had  hatched  up  upon  the  great  gambling 
centre,  and  this  opportunity  had  appeared  a  wonderful 
favor. 

The  chance  was  one  in  a  million,  yet  it  had  actually 
come  to  pass. 

"I've  heard  the  song  about  the  man  who  broke  the  bank 
at  Monte  Carlo,  but  never  dreamed  I  would  in  any  way  be 
instrumental  in  sending  a  representative  there  who  would 
do  that  vsame  thing.  Good  for  Darby,  lucky  fellow.  By 
the  way,  I  wonder  does  that  charming  adventuress  sail 
with  him — if  so  the  chances  are  ten  to  one  the  fortune  he 
has  won  will  not  be  in  his  possession  long.  Well,  it  must 
be  some  time  before  he  can  join  me,  unless  he  manages  to 
board  some  Spanish  steamer,  taking  the  guise  of  a  don; 
and  such  vessels  are  exceedingly  scarce  on  the  high  seas 
now." 

With  that  he  lighted  the  paper  and  destroyed  every 
trace  of  Spanish  chirography. 

Once  again  he  turned  his  full  attention  toward  the  res- 
cue of  Leon. 

Other  elements  were  working  toward  that  same  end, 
yet  of  this  fact  Roderic  was  of  course  profoundly  igno- 
rant, and  he  labored  on  as  though  only  through  his  en- 
deavors could  the  man  condemned  to  be  shot  find  a  chance 
for  safety. 

He  had  laid  out  his  plans  after  the  manner  of  a  general 
who  goes  to  war. 

Every  little  detail  had  to  be  looked  into,  and  arrange- 
ments made  whereby  a  secondary  battery  could  be  brought 
to  bear,  should  the  first  fail  to  prove  effective. 

It  was  perhaps  unfortunate  that  he  would  have  to  work 
single  handed,  because  he  knew  of  no  one  in  all  San  Juan 
whom  he  could  thoroughly  trust  in  this  matter  of  life  and 
death. 


TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS.  237 

How  he  missed  Darby — what  a  tower  of  strength  the 
man  would  have  been  to  him  just  now. 

Roderic  however,  never  sighed  for  the  moon ;  when  he 
could  not  have  what  he  wanted  he  was  philosophical 
enough  to  drop  the  subject  and  content  himself  with  what 
he  had. 

The  man  with  whom  he  had  taken  up  his  temporary 
abode  in  San  Juan  was  a  faithful  fellow,  but  lacked  the 
ability  to  serve  him  in  this  emergency  when  so  much  .de- 
pended on  the  move  of  a  hand  or  the  exact  carrying  out  of 
prearranged  plans. 

Roderic  had  indeed  asked  numerous  questions,  and  the 
information  received,  added  to  what  he  already  knew  from 
personal  experience,  placed  him  in  a  position  to  "carry  the 
war  into  Africa." 

Leon  was  confined  in  an  old  fortress  that  presented  a 
most  picturesque  appearance  by  moonlight,  and  would 
have  made  an  excellent  subject  for  amateur  photograph- 
ers, yet  possessed  few  elements  of  modern  strength. 

Like  St.  John's  church,  it  had  received  a  few  compli- 
ments from  Sampson's  fleet,  which  gaping  apertures, 
together  with  accumulated  debris,  only  served  to  add  to 
the  picturesque  confusion. 

Roderic  had  prowled  about  this  neighborhood  consid- 
erably during  the  day,  careful  not  to  attract  attention,  yet 
with  the  desire  to  learn  the  actual  lay  of  the  land,  so  that 
even  under  cover  of  darkness  he  would  be  able  to  move 
with  at  least  a  fair  degree  of  certainty. 

It  presented  a  good  view  of  the  bay  and  harbor,  the  gov- 
ernor general's  palace  on  the  point  and  the  few  vessels  in 
the  harbor,  chief  of  which  was  the  Spanish  torpedo  boat 
destroyer  Terror. 

Roderic  had  cast  longing  looks  toward  the  trim  steam 


238  TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS. 

yacht  anchored  there,  from  the  stern  of  which  whipped 
the  Union  Jack  of  England — he  would  have  given  much 
for  an  opportunity  to  interest  Cleo  in  his  daring  scheme, 
and  in  Captain  Beven  he  knew  he  could  have  had  an  able 
coadjutor,  for  the  sailor  liked  nothing  better  than  ad- 
venture. 

Still,  Roderic  had  believed  it  was  best  not  to  seek  an 
audience  with  his  cousin — he  did  not  wish  to  drag  her  into 
the  risky  game  if  he  could  help  it. 

Perhaps — who  can  tell — some  peculiar  sense  of  honor 
held  him  back — perhaps  he  reasoned  that  as  this  desperate 
move  on  his  part,  this  contemplated  rescue  of  Leon  from  a 
Spanish  dungeon  and  death  at  sunrise,  was  but  a  link  in 
the  chain  of  his  suit  for  the  love  of  Georgia,  it  would  be 
adding  insult  to  injury  did  he  endeavor  to  enlist  Cleo's 
services  in  behalf  of  the  venture. 

One  thing  he  had  determined  to  do — it  was  really  forced 
upon  him  as  a  dernier  ressort,  since  there  was  no  other 
means  of  getting  Leon  out  of  the  country  after  his  escape 
from  prison  had  been  effected,  if  he  were  so  fortunate  as 
to  accomplish  this. 

He  had  a  note  written  to  Cleo  in  his  pocket  and  this  he 
meant  that  Leon  and  his  wife  should  deliver  in  person 
aboard  the  yacht. 

That  Cleo  would  find  means  of  hiding  them  on  board 
until  the  Dreadnaught  sailed  for  Jamaica  he  never  once 
doubted. 

With  some  anxiety  he  studied  the  heavens  and  the  con- 
ditions of  the  weather,  for  what  this  August  night  brought 
in  its  train  was  a  matter  of  considerable  importance  to 
him. 

There  would  be  a  moon,  very  near  the  full,  but  clouds 
promised  to  shut  it  from  view,  at  least  the  major  portion 
of  the  time. 


TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS.  239 

Roderic  counted  this  as  an  especial  favor  in  his  direc- 
tion. 

He  meant  to  take  advantage  of  it. 

All  minor  matters  had  been  positively  arranged,  even  to 
the  boat  in  which  they  were  to  be  carried  to  the  English 
yacht,  and  this  was  in  itself  a  very  important  factor  in  the 
game,  one  that  by  any  neglect  in  making  up  the  pro- 
gramme might  have  proved  a  fatal  error. 

He  killed  time  in  the  early  evening  by  loitering  around 
the  coffee  houses  and  hearing  the  various  opinions  ex- 
pressed by  Spanish  soldiers  and  San  Juan  citizens  regard- 
ing the  immediate  future  of  the  city,  for  it  was  generally 
known  that  Ponce  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  aggres- 
sive Yankees,  and  that  the  "thin  blue  line"  was  advancing 
across  the  country  in  the  direction  of  the  north  coast,  cap- 
turing everything  en  route,  even  to  the  hearts  of  the  peo- 
ple, who  hailed  the  Americans  as  their  deliverers. 

It  was  a  distinct  pleasure  to  Roderic  to  know  that  the 
army  of  occupation  had  landed  on  the  soil  of  Spain's  finest 
colony,  for  he  realized  that  the  glorious  flag  of  liberty  once 
planted  would  never  be  taken  down  again. 

San  Juan  did  not  worry. 

Indeed,  the  city  probably  never  looked  more  gay  than 
on  this  August  night,  when,  after  an  unusually  torrid  day 
the  cool  ocean  breeze,  following  the  rain,  invited  every 
one  to  loiter  out  of  doors,  and  join  in  the  characteristic 
Spanish  holiday  season. 

To  Roderic  these  light  hearted  people  were  the  greatest 
of  all  mysteries. 

If  New  York  city  were  threatened  by  a  hostile  army, 
and  its  speedy  capture  as  good  as  insured,  he  could  im- 
agine the  fearful  panic  that  must  take  place,  how  white 
faced  women,  and  men  too,  would  throng  the  streets  laden 


240  TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS. 

with  precious  household  goods,  seeking  some  avenue  of 
escape. 

Yet  here  was  a  city  that  had  already  experienced  some 
of  the  horrors  of  a  bombardment  and  with  another  in 
prospect,  probably  of  a  more  drastic  nature,  giving  itself 
up  to  pleasure  as  wholly  as  though  peace  ruled  the  camp, 
the  fleet  and  the  grove. 

It  was  astonishing,  marvelous ! 

Roderic  of  course  knew  the  reason — he  had  made  a 
close  study  of  Spanish  character,  and  found  that  like  the 
Southern  plantation  negro  these  sons  and  daughters  of 
Iberia  never  worry  save  over  the  troubles  of  the  imme- 
diate present. 

Let  the  future  take  care  of  itself — on  with  the  dance — 
what  if  trouble  does  come,  that  will  be  "manana"  to-mor- 
row, and  why  should  they  worry  until  the  time  arrives  ? 

Bah !  when  the  first  shell  from  the  monitors  and  battle 
ships  goes  shrieking  over  the  forts  to  explode  perhaps 
among  the  houses  of  the  town — that  will  be  time  enough 
to  show  anxiety,  and  once  started  they  can  make  up  for 
wasted  opportunities. 

Such  is  the  settled  policy  of  these  people,  no  matter 
where  found,  and  it  is  the  main  reason  why  they  are  out- 
stripped in  the  race  by  such  energetic,  wide  awake,  ever 
ready  to  seize  an  open  opportunity  nations  as  the  Anglo 
Saxons  and  Teutons. 

Spain  has  accomplished  her  work  on  the  earth,  a  savage 
and  cruel  one  in  many  respects,  yet  fraught  with  much 
daring — she  it  was  who  centuries  back  sent  her  bold  navi- 
gators to  the  ends  of  the  little  known  world  to  plant  the 
yellow  and  crimson  banner  there — her  barbarous  methods 
of  government  led  each  of  her  numerous  colonies  in  turn 
to  revolt  and  declare  the  shackles  broken  from  their  limbs, 


TO  THE  OLD  FORTRESS.  241 

but  Spain  never  changed  her  policy  as  did  Great  Britain 
after  losing  the  United  States. 

With  the  end  of  her  late  war  Spain  found  herself  virtu- 
ally stripped  of  colonial  possessions,  and  from  this  time 
forward  she  must  live  within  herself — her  cruel  but  in 
one  sense  necessary  work  in  opening  the  world  to  light  has 
been  finished  and  she  will  never  again  know  the  glory  that 
has  been  hers  in  the  past. 

Roderic  often  thought  over  these  things,  for  they  were 
very  pertinent  to  the  subject,  and  every  true  blue  Yankee 
must  at  times  consider  the  future  of  these  glorious  islands 
thus  coming  into  possession  of  the  great  republic. 

Thus  he  killed  time  while  waiting  for  the  night  to  move 
on. 

It  was  best  that  he  delay  his  desperate  work  until  San 
Juan  had  at  least  in  a  measure  quieted  down,  since  there 
was  more  chance  of  the  sentries  being  careless,  and  less 
fear  of  running  against  citizens  in  the  street  after  the  res- 
cue should  have  been  effected. 

The  minutes  dragged,  for  he  was  eager  to  get  to  work 
— like  a  war  horse  that  paws  the  ground  and  tugs  at  his 
halter  when  the  distant  booming  of  guns  and  the  pungent 
scent  of  burnt  powder  announce  the  battle  to  have  begun. 

At  length  his  patience  gave  out. 

By  stretching  a  point  the  time  had  come  for  him  to  ad- 
vance on  the  outer  works,  for  which  he  was  extremely 
grateful ;  with  a  sigh  of  genuine  relief  he  threw  off  the 
incubus  that  had  borne  so  heavily  upon  him  during  this 
delay,  and  set  his  face  toward  the  ancient  fortress  that 
had  seen  almost  every  event  of  interest  happening  in  San 
Juan  from  the  days  of  that  gallant  adventurer  and  seeker 
after  the  Fountain  of  Youth,  Ponce  de  Leon. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

HOW  THEY  WENT  IN. 

THE  battlements  and  towers  of  the  old  fortification 
stood  up  grimly  against  the  clouded  heavens  when  Rod- 
eric  drew  near — just  as  they  had  reared  themselves  for 
centuries,  and  looked  down  upon  many  of  the  strangest 
scenes  marking  the  history  of  new  America. 

Roderic  had  considerable  respect  for  antiquity,  and 
yielded  the  palm  to  none  when  it  came  to  holding  in  rever- 
ence such  wonderful  mementoes  of  the  past ;  but  common 
sense  triumphed  over  such  feelings,  and  when  necessity 
demanded  that  he  should  push  the  sanctity  of  age  and  tra- 
dition into  the  background,  he  never  hesitated. 

Should  the  success  of  his  avowed  undertaking  be  in 
peril  he  would  feel  it  incumbent  upon  himself  to  walk 
roughshod  over  the  range  and  even  destroy  if  necessary 
the  finest  and  most  venerated  relic  of  olden  days. 

Such  is  the  price  of  American  progress — a  musty 
disease  breeding  old  palace  must  be  transformed  into  a 
modern  hive  of  industry  or  be  leveled  to  the  ground  in 
order  to  make  way  for  some  edifice  of  more  value  to  hu- 
manity ;  for  these  Americans  are  a  practical  people  of  to- 
day, seeking  not  to  perpetuate  the  evils  of  the  dead  past, 
but  to  raise  up  the  masses  to  a  higher  plane  where  they 
may  enjoy  the  fruits  of  their  labor,  reap  the  benefits  of 
free  education  and  worship  God  in  their  own  way,  irre- 
spective of  church  and  state. 

It  was  well  known  to  Owen  that  Spanish  sentries, 

242 


HOW  THEY  WENT  IN.  243 

Mauser  in  hand,  patroled  the  walls  and  corridors  of  the 
old  building. 

He  had  even  marked  as  minutely  as  possible  where  each 
soldier's  beat  began  and  ended,  for  it  is  such  little  things 
as  this  that  count  in  the  long  run,  often  most  unexpect- 
edly. 

It  appeared  to  be  a  formidable  task  for  one  American 
to  undertake — seldom  had  a  heavier  load  been  placed  upon 
a  single  pair  of  shoulders ;  but  fortunately  this  man  was 
singularly  well  equipped  for  the  task,  since  his  previous 
work  for  years  had  always  been  in  this  same  line. 

He  therefore  viewed  the  great  ragged  pile  of  ancient 
masonry,  over  which  the  banner  of  Castile  and  Aragon 
flapped  in  the  night  breeze,  with  something  of  the  gladia- 
tor's spirit  when  he  was  wont  to  face  a  tiger  in  the  arena 
— the  immensity  of  the  task  aroused  every  atom  of  de- 
termination, quickened  his  blood  and  caused  him  to  feel 
an  eagerness  to  open  hostilities. 

All  seemed  quiet. 

Not  far  away  lay  the  great  barracks  of  the  Spanish  sol- 
diers, and  he  could  even  hear  them  call  out  at  times. 

This  lent  additional  piquancy  to  the  game — when  it  be- 
came necessary  to  snatch  a  condemned  prisoner  from  the 
very  heart  of  the  Spanish  camp,  the  glory  attending  suc- 
cess would  be  all  the  greater. 

Not  that  Roderic  sought  additional  sources  of  danger — 
he  would  have  been  satisfied  with  much  less,  since  his  one 
purpose  was  to  save  Leon  and  win  his  sister. 

A  clock  in  the  city  boomed  the  hour. 

"I  am  on  time — now  to  see  if  my  fellow  laborer  has 
reached  the  rendezvous,"  Roderic  muttered. 

At  one  point  the  shadow  of  the  corner  tower  fell  athwart 
the  white  road  and  here  he  turned. 


244  HOW  THEY  WENT  IN. 

A  little  birdlike  trill  greeted  his  ears — it  might  have 
proceeded  from  some  feathered  songster  ensconced  among 
the  leafy  vines  that  covered  the  rugged  wall,  and  which 
had  been  disturbed  by  his  stealthy  advance. 

The  American  seemed  to  believe  otherwise,  for  he 
quickly  imitated  the  sound. 

Whereupon  there  appeared  a  figure  from  behind  a  but- 
tressed base  of  the  tower  wall,  a  figure  that  approached 
him  at  first  eagerly,  then  coyly. 

Roderic  took  several  steps  forward  to  meet  the  half  un- 
willing advance  of  the  other. 

"Senora,  is  it  you?"  he  whispered,  eagerly. 

"Si,  senor,"  came  the  low  reply  from  the  figure  dressed 
in  masculine  garments. 

"Good.  We  are  both  on  time.  The  night  favors  us  as 
much  as  we  could  hope  for.  Let  us  then  go  to  work  with- 
out delay." 

"Heaven  bless  you,  senor — " 

"Not  a  word  in  that  line — it  is  useless,  and  dangerous 
as  well,  since  sentries  are  on  the  ramparts  and  they  have 
keen  ears.  I  feared  you  might  not  come,  for  the  danger 
would  appall  many." 

"Ah !  senor,  what  is  danger  to  me — what  would  I  not 
risk  if  by  so  doing  I  could  save  his  life,  my  beloved  Leon? 
Fire  and  blood  could  not  hold  me  in  check  if  he  called. 
My  life  is  his  alone,  for  without  him  all  else  would  be 
dead.  That  is  the  love  a  Spanish  woman  gives,  senor. 
Do  not  forget  it  when  you  think  of  Georgia." 

Roderic  was  thrilled  by  her  words,  so  intense  so  full  of 
devotion — yes,  few  nationalities  can  love  with  the  fire  and 
enthusiasm  shown  by  Spain's  sons  and  daughters,  and  if 
their  affection  does  not  always  stand  the  test  of  time,  lay 
it  to  the  burning  zeal  that  eats  up  the  heart. 


HOW  THEY  WENT  IN.  245 

He  remembered  that  he  too  was  beloved  by  just  such 
an  impulsive,  beautiful  girl,  who  at  this  hour  was  doubt- 
less wrestling  with  the  deep  wounds  wrought  by  jeal- 
ousy's fingers ;  and  the  recollection  gave  him  both  ecstacy 
and  keen  pain. 

At  least  he  said  no  more  to  her  of  the  danger  she  ran — 
in  the  service  of  love  what  matters  it  where  peril  lies ;  the 
sacred  nature  of  the  duty  renders  every  obligation  a  privi- 
lege. 

"Follow  me,  please,  and  keep  close  to  the  wall.  When 
I  stop  do  likewise  and  crouch  down.  Should  one  of  the 
fellows  on  the  walls  call  out,  make  no  move,  utter  no 
sound,  but  wait  until  I  direct  you." 

Such  were  his  brief  instructions. 

She  gave  him  to  understand  that  she  comprehended  all 
he  wished. 

Then  they  moved  away,  keeping  close  to  the  rough 
walls,  where  the  shadows  lay  thickest. 

It  was  a  slow  and  laborious  task. 

Here  and  there  lay  heaps  of  broken  bricks,  just  where 
they  had  fallen  Heaven  alone  knew  how  many  years  back, 
since  it  is  a  settled  Spanish  rule  never  to  spoil  the  pic- 
turesque and  bizarre  by  miserable  modern  attempts  at 
thrift  and  cleanliness — vines  had  grown  over  the  debris 
and  moon  flowers  whitened  the  face  of  the  rough  wall. 

It  may  have  been  very  pretty,  but  it  made  the  task  Rod- 
eric  had  marked  out  more  tiresome  than  it  would  other- 
wise have  been. 

He  did  not  grumble  however,  and  Inez  would  never 
have  complained  even  though  compelled  to  creep  through 
an  acre  of  prickly  pear  or  cactus — her  holy  fervor  of  love 
sanctified  the  means,  and  she  blessed  the  Virgin  for  al- 
lowing her  such  a  privilege  to  prove  her  devotion. 


246  HOW  THEY  WENT  IN. 

She  was  a  woman  in  ten  thousand — happy  Leon,  to 
possess  such  a  loyal  heart. 

Besides,  while  temporarily  suffering  from  these  ac- 
cumulation of  years,  Roderic  knew  they  were  soon  to 
profit  through  something  in  the  same  line. 

Leon. had  escaped  from  his  former  prison  by  means  of  a 
gaping  apperture  made  by  an  inquisitive  Yankee  shell — 
the  story  of  his  thrilling  adventure  had  made  a  deep  im- 
pression on  the  mind  of  Owen,  and  discovering  just  such 
a  grand  opening  in  the  wall  of  the  old  medieval  structure 
against  which  he  had  now  pitted  his  forces  he  resolved  to 
improve  upon  the  experience  of  Georgia's  brother. 

They  could,  if  given  half  a  show,  both  enter  and  make 
their  final  exit  by  this  means. 

He  had  the  location  of  the  opening  pretty  well  in  mind, 
and  was  heading  for  it  now. 

They  had  fully  embarked  upon  their  perilous  mission, 
and  please  Heaven,  would  sooner  or  later  meet  with  the 
anticipated  reward. 

The  sentinels  paced  their  beats  above  on  the  broad 
walls,  and  their  "quien  vive"  as  they  approached  each 
other,  together  with  the  answer,  came  plainly  to  the  ears 
of  those  crowded  below. 

Roderic  breathed  easier  when  he  discovered  that  they 
had  reached  the  vicinity  of  this  ragged  aperture,  for  at 
least  one  portion  of  their  dangerous  journey  was  over. 

He  exercised  double  care  at  this  point,  for  while  the 
coast  had  appeared  clear  during  the  day,  that  was  no  sign 
that  it  might  not  be  policed  after  nightfall. 

These  Spanish  sentries  have  little  scruples  about  open- 
ing fire  upon  any  suspicious  person  seen  in  the  act  of  en- 
deavoring to  enter  one  of  their  fortifications  under  the 
protecting  shades  of  night — scores  of  wretched  recon- 


HOW  THEY  WENT  IN.  247 

centradoes  in  Cuba  thus  paid  the  penalty  of  rashness  or 
curiosity  with  their  lives. 

A  little  close  observation  told  him  that  in  all  likelihood 
the  opening  had  not  been  made  an  especial  object  of  sur- 
veillance— two  slow  moving  automatons,  yclept  sentries, 
in  the  process  of  following  their  beats  to  a  conclusion  ap- 
proached this  scene  of  wreck  about  once  in  five  minutes, 
exchanged  salutation  according  to  the  discipline  of  the 
army,  indulged  in  a  little  good  natured  chaff,  perhaps 
spoke  of  the  chance  of  soon  beholding  the  beloved  hills  of 
their  native  land  again  when  the  inevitable  end  came  to 
the  dramatic  farce  old  Spain  was  playing  for  the  benefit 
of  those  Frenchmen  and  others  holding  five  hundred 
million  dollars  worth  of  Cuban  bonds — and  then  wheeling 
left  the  spot  to  darkness  and  the  bats  for  another  spell. 

It  was  easy  enough  to  pick  out  the  proper  time  to  begin 
the  climb,  but  after  once  starting  they  found  it  a  trifle 
more  difficult  to  make  progress,  for  the  material  under 
their  feet  threatened  to  trip  them  up,  and  several  times  one 
of  them  started  some  of  the  broken  bricks  moving  in  a 
way  that  opened  the  possibility  of  an  avalanche. 

Thus  they  had  gone  but  little  more  than  half  way  when 
Roderic,  believing  the  time  between  the  meeting  of  the 
sentries  must  have  elapsed,  whispered  to  his  companion 
to  crouch  down  and  move  no  more. 

At  this  instant  a  dislodged  brick  fell  with  some  little 
clatter  down  the  declivity,  and  the  sound  appeared  magni- 
fied in  his  ears  because  of  its  possible  serious  results. 

A  Spanish  voice  called  out  above,  being  answered  from 
the  opposite  side,  and  Roderic  looking  up  could  see  the 
two  sentinels  plainly  outlined,  as  they  stood  peering  into 
the  gloom  below,  and  indulging  in  various  speculations  as 
to  the  cause  of  the  sound  that  had  reached  their  ears. 


248  HOW  "THEY  WENT  IN. 

It  was  a  minute  of  intense  suspense,  for  he  had  grave 
fears  lest  they  bombard  the  spot  with  broken  bricks,  in 
order  to  satisfy  their  minds  that  no  secret  enemy  lurked 
there. 

Fortunately  just  at  this  moment  a  zigzag  flying  bat, 
creature  of  the  tropics,  came  whirring  out  of  the  gloom 
below,  and  actually  knocked  off  one  of  the  sentries'  hat, 
which  unexpected  incident  caused  considerable  hard 
words  from  the  man  who  received  the  scare,  and  was 
greeted  with  an  equal  amount  of  half  suppressed  laughter 
from  the  other  quarter. 

At  least,  since  the  hat  was  saved  the  incident  might 
be  set  down  as  closed — no  bricks  were  fired  into  the 
chasm,  for  which  Roderic  was  devoutly  thankful,  not 
merely  on  his  own  account,  but  because  he  had  one  under 
his  charge  for  whose  safety  he  held  himself  responsible. 

When  the  two  Dromios  above  had  withdrawn  and  with 
shouldered  Mausers  again  sauntered  down  their  several 
beats  he  whispered  words  of  encouragement  to  the  shrink- 
ing form  so  close  at  hand,  and  bade  her  once  more  follow 
his  lead. 

The  venture  proved  a  success,  so  far  as  their  entree  was 
concerned,  for  by  the  time  Spanish  eyes  and  ears  again 
approached  the  broken  spot  in  the  ramparts  the  two  in- 
truders had  gained  the  corridor  and  were  safe  within  the 
walls. 

This  was  only  a  beginning — the  first  step. 

Around  them  stretched  the  massive  walls  of  the  ancient 
landmark,  and  somewhere  within  their  confines  Leon  was 
to  be  found. 

Roderic  never  groped  in  the  dark  when  there  was  a 
chance  for  light,  and  he  had  used  his  utmost  endeavors 
during  the  day  in  trying  to  locate  the  prisoner. 


HOW  THEY  WENT  IN.  249 

One  portion  of  the  old  fortification  was  literally  a  pic- 
turesque ruin. 

It  did  not  seem  possible  that  even  the  easy  going  Span- 
iards would  confine  a  prisoner,  condemned  to  be  shot,  to 
this  antiquated  wreck,  for  there  would  be  too  much  chance 
of  his  escaping,  especially  one  who  had  already  proven  so 
hard  to  hold  as  Leon. 

This  was  of  course  mere  speculation  on  the  part  of  the 
Yankee,  but  he  had  taken  note  of  several  facts  that  seemed 
to  corroborate  his  suspicion. 

At  any  rate  so  strongly  impressed  was  he  with  this  idea 
that  once  within  the  fortress  he  had  no  hesitation  in  turn- 
ing to  the  left. 

Possibly  Roderic  never  had  a  more  difficult  task  than 
the  one  now  confronting  him. 

The  interior  of  the  great  pile  of  masonry  was  almost  a 
sealed  book  to  him,  the  best  he  could  do  during  the  after- 
noon having  given  him  but  a  shadowy  idea  as  to  how  it 
was  constructed. 

Of  course  most  of  it  was  inhabited  only  by  bats  and 
owls,  a  sombre  relic  of  past  glories,  which  fact  added  to 
the  confusion. 

Sentries  patroled  sections  of  the  place,  just  as  had  been 
marked  out  for  them — indeed,  it  was  almost  impossible 
to  know  when  one  of  these  jack-in-the-box  guardians 
might  bob  up  serenely  directly  in  the  intruder's  path. 

This  fact  kept  Roderic's  nerves  on  a  tension;  but  the 
sensation  was  no  new  one  to  him — he  felt  pretty  much  as 
does  the  hound  held  in  leash,  and  scenting  the  game  near 
by. 

Inez  followed  him  closely. 

She  was  "dead  game"  as  Roderic  more  than  once  mut- 
tered to  himself  when  he  noticed  how  she  copied  his  move- 
ments. 


250  HOW  THEY  WENT  IN. 

Never  did  man  have  a  more  faithful  and  devoted  spouse, 
ready  to  undertake  all  risks  for  his  sake — never  did 
woman  have  a  motive  more  sacred  to  urge  her  forward 
to  the  rescue  of  one  beloved. 

Roderic  knew  he  was  enlisted  in  a  good  cause,  and  in 
his  mind  this  counted  for  much. 

Their  progress  while  laborious,  seemed  to  be  in  the 
right  direction. 

Evidences  multiplied  to  the  effect  that  this  wing  of  the 
fortress  was  under  surveillance,  as  though  it  contained 
that  over  which  it  was  necessary  a  guard  should  be 
placed. 

Roderic  had  been  in  Russia — he  had  visited  the  historic 
pile  of  masonry  at  St.  Petersburg  on  the  Volga  known  as 
the  Fortress  of  Peter  and  Paul,  and  had  seen  its  numer- 
ous dungeons,  its  impregnable  gates  and  the  wonderful 
methods  in  vogue  among  the  troops  guarding  its  walls. 

Something  about  this  structure  in  San  Juan  recalled  the 
prison  and  fort  of  Holy  Russia — perhaps  it  was  the 
gloom,  the  dark  dungeons  and  general  funereal  aspect  of 
the  place,  for  surely  there  could  be  little  comparison  other- 
wise. 

Occasionally  the  moon  appeared  and  gave  them  some 
means  of  seeing  what  lay  ahead ;  but  on  these  occasions 
they  were  compelled  to  lie  quiet  so  that  their  presence 
might  not  be  discovered. 

All  the  while  they  were  progressing. 

A  labyrinth  of  masonry  surrounded  them,  and  Roderic 
had  to  bring  to  bear  many  shrewd  tactics  in  order  to  keep 
from  getting  lost. 

His  usual  manner  of  doing  this  was  simple  and  yet  won- 
derfully effective. 

When  they  came  to  a  place  where  the  passage  forked, 


HOW  THEY  WENT  IN.  2$1 

and  it  appeared  puzzling  to  judge  which  way  they  should 
turn,  he  did  not  decide  hastily  but  spent  a  little  time  in 
ascertaining  whether  one  of  the  routes  did  not  show  more 
signs  of  usage  than  the  other,  and  in  every  case  he  found 
a  very  distinct  difference. 

By  following  the  passage  in  general  use  it  stood  to  rea- 
son that  he  would  sooner  or  later  reach  the  closed  dun- 
Through  such  tactics,  employed  with  success  by  those 
Nimrods  of  the  forests  in  their  search  after  game,  Rod- 
eric  had  always  been  able  to  accomplish  tasks  that  were 
deemed  next  to  impossible  by  others  of  his  craft,  who 
governed  their  actions  by  antiquated  rules  lacking  in  com- 
mon sense. 

It  was  evident  that  they  had  crossed  the  Rubicon — that 
their  bridges  had  been  burned  behind  them. 

Once  discovered  in  the  depths  of  this  place  and  the 
chances  seemed  twenty  to  one  that  they  would  never  leave 
it  alive. 

Roderic  scouted  such  a  thought — he  never  allowed  it  to 
interfere  with  his  work — chances  of  failure  were  not  to 
be  taken  as  a  factor  in  the  matter  whatever — success  must 
be  the  beacon  held  up  to  lure  them  on,  glorious  success. 

Such  confidence  brings  wonderful  results  in  all  things, 
and  would  account  for  some  of  the  success  attending  his 
past. 

A  brilliant  diplomat  is  compelled  to  be  bold  as  well  as 
sagacious. 

To  find  Leon  and  bring  about  his  release — to  cheat  the 
Spanish  army  of  a  victim  whom  they  expected  to  execute 
at  sunrise — this  was  the  mission  he  had  undertaken,  and 
with  the  kind  assistance  of  good  fortune,  added  to  his  tact, 
he  meant  that  the  harvest  should  be  bountiful. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON. 

A  GENTLE  tug  at  his  coat  made  Roderic  turn. 

It  was  Inez,  who  desired  to  speak,  and  yet  who  knew 
she  should  not  utter  a  word  above  the  lowest  whisper. 

"What  is  it?"  he  asked. 

"Tell  me — are  we  not  nearing  there — I  am  so  anxious 
— my  heart  almost  suffocates  me,  for  it  beats  like  wild- 
fire," she  gasped. 

He  pitied  her,  for  he  could  easily  understand  why  she 
should  thus  feel  distressed. 

"Courage — we  cannot  be  far  away  from  his  cell  now. 
Bear  up,  and  all  will  be  well.  To  fail  at  this  time  would 
mean  his  death." 

Roderic  did  not  add  that  their  own  fate  would  prob- 
ably be  also  sealed — he  knew  that  fact  only  too  well,  but 
it  was  useless  to  mention  it. 

At  any  rate  all  Inez  thought  of  was  Leon's  welfare. 

She  seemed  to  call  upon  some  reserve  force,  and  her 
companion  knew  the  crisis  had  been  safely  passed,  for 
which  he  was  deeply  thankful. 

When  he  said  he  believed  they  were  near  the  spot  where 
they  would  find  Leon,  he  spoke  truly. 

There  were  strong  evidences  of  dungeons  all  around 
them,  some  with  the  doors  entirely  gone,  while  others  had 
a  stout  barrier  hanging  from  one  great  rusty  hinge. 

It  might  be  supposed  that  ere  long  they  would  run 
across  those  still  remaining  in  a  good  state  of  preservation, 
and  in  which  prisoners  were  confined. 

252 


THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON.         253 

Perhaps  an  especial  guard  had  been  stationed  in  the 
passage. 

If  so  it  would  be  Roderic's  duty  to  take  care  of  him, 
and  to  this  end  he  had  previously  made  ample  prepara- 
tion. 

Desperate  measures  are  only  carried  to  a  successful 
issue  by  heroic  treatment,  and  no  man  was  better  equipped 
for  this  purpose  than  the  American  who  dared  enter  San 
Juan  while  the  Spanish  flag  still  waved  over  the  walls. 

The  darkness  was  now  against  them,  and  it  would  have 
been  almost  impossible  to  advance  but  for  a  streak  of  luck 
that  separated  clouds  and  moon,  and  allowed  the  latter 
to  sift  her  silvery  radiance  down  through  various  breaches 
in  the  overhanging  walls,  thus  dissipating  to  some  extent 
the  appalling  gloom. 

Thanks  then  to  this  feeble  illumination  Roderic  with  his 
keen  vision  was  enabled  to  discover  a  figure  ahead. 

Spanish  soldiers  doing  duty  in  the  tropics  are  generally 
in  the  habit  of  wearing  white  uniforms  made  of  some 
coarse  drilling  or  canvas. 

It  was  this  fact  that  betrayed  the  presence  of  the  guard, 
and  Roderic  mentally  thanked  his  lucky  stars  for  the 
favor. 

He  watched  the  man. 

The  Spaniard  seemed  nervous,  and  would  walk  up  and 
down  with  jerky  steps,  stopping  now  and  then  to  try  the 
doors  of  several  cells. 

Roderic  was  unable  to  decide  what  the  man  was  up  to, 
since  Spanish  soldiers  as  a  rule  are  not  given  to  exert 
themselves  overly  much. 

Now  and  then  the  fellow  would  stop,  and  at  such  times 
his  attitude  strongly  reminded  the  watcher  of  one  who  was 
straining  his  hearing  in  the  hope  of  catching  some  eagerly 
anticipated  signal. 


254  THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON. 

After  a  little  reflection  Roderic  felt  compelled  to  decide 
that  the  fellow  was  anxiously  waiting  for  a  relief  guard 
to  appear,  although  this  hardly  satisfied  him. 

His  duty  in  the  premises  was  clear  enough. 

That  guard  was  in  the  way. 

He  threatened  to  block  their  game  just  when,  after 
surmounting  so  many  difficulties,  it  promised  to  bring 
them  success. 

Such  a  thing  could  not  be  allowed. 

The  guard  would  have  to  succumb,  like  all  Spaniards, 
to  superior  Yankee  dominion. 

First  he  must  give  Inez  warning  as  to  his  intentions,  so 
that  she  might  not  be  alarmed  when  he  quitted  her  side. 

He  found  her  very  sensible,  for  she  realized  that  some 
such  move  must  be  adopted  to  get  rid  of  the  miserable 
sentry. 

"Spare  him  not,  senor — he  has  doubtless  taken  delight 
in  torturing  my  Leon — have  no  pity  on  the  wretch,"  she 
whispered  in  his  ear,  with  considerable  warmth. 

Roderic  had  his  own  notion  about  the  eternal  fitness  of 
things,  and  being  a  cool,  sensible  American  instead  of  a 
hot  blooded  Spaniard,  he  was  decidedly  averse  to  shedding 
blood  when  such  a  thing  might  possibly  be  avoided. 

There  were  other  ways  of  accomplishing  the  same  end, 
this  Yankee  brain  decided. 

With  a  few  last  words  of  caution  to  Inez,  who  was 
trembling  all  over  with  excitement,  he  left  her  and  started 
upon  his  advance. 

An  old  Indian  fighter  might  have  been  proud  of  the  pro- 
gress Roderic  made. 

He  imitated  a  cat  creeping  upon  a  bird,  his  eyes  being 
glued  upon  the  white  garbed  figure  of  the  guard,  and 
every  movement  governed  by  that  of  the  man  who  car- 
ried the  Mauser, 


THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON.          255 

Foot  by  foot  he  went  forward. 

The  guard  was  muttering  to  himself  as  he  still  moved 
restlessly  from  one  heavy  door  to  another. 

Something  undoubtedly  disturbed  him,  but  it  was  a 
mystery  to  Roderic,  who  could  not  quite  catch  the  words 
he  let  fall,  and  which  might  have  simplified  matters  had 
he  heard  them. 

The  closer  he  drew  the  more  cautious  he  became. 

Everything  depended  on  the  successful  issue  of  his 
plans ;  even  his  own  future  happiness  was  at  stake  in  the 
matter. 

It  may  be  taken  for  granted,  therefore,  that  he  exercised 
his  utmost  care,  for  after  all  there  is  no  motive  so  positive 
of  good  results  in  a  general  way,  as  self  interest — it  makes 
a  success  of  co-operative  factories  wherever  tried. 

Roderic  was  finally  in  a  position  to  lay  his  plans  for  a 
finish. 

He  waited  until  the  man's  back  was  turned  and  then 
slipped  forward  to  a  certain  dark  doorway  previously  se- 
lected. 

Then  he  awaited  the  return  of  the  sentry — awaited  him 
as  the  tiger  lies  in  cover  for  his  advancing  prey,  with 
muscles  tense  and  drawn,  and  every  small  nerve  on  the 
alert  for  the  desperate  charge. 

Ah!  the  fellow  in  pursuing  his  eccentric  tactics  had 
reached  what  appeared  to  be  the  terminus  of  his  beat,  and 
wheeling  had  started  back,  utterly  unconscious  of  what 
lay  in  store  for  him  and  that  each  nervous  step  took  him 
closer  to  his  fate. 

Roderic  was  perfectly  cool  and  collected — he  was  not  in 
the  habit  of  giving  way  to  excitement  and  losing  his  ad- 
vantage. 

As  he  thus  lay  in  wait  and  watched  the  advance  of  the 


2$6  THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON. 

dusky  figure  which  he  had  set  out  to  overcome,  he  even 
selected  the  very  portion  of  the  sentry's  person  upon 
which  he  should  throw  his  full  force. 

Closer  still. 

The  man's  fate  hung  like  the  sword  of  Damocles,  as  by 
a  single  hair. 

Roderic  timed  his  leap  with  such  precision  that  he 
struck  the  sentry  totally  unawares. 

A  dark  figure  launched  forward  like  a  gigantic  bat — 
the  man  only  had  time  to  give  a  gurgle  of  surprise  when  a 
firm  hand  closed  on  his  throat,  and  the  sound  died  there. 

Such  was  the  impetus  of  Roderic's  advance  that  the  two 
of  them  went  to  the  stone  floor. 

Immediately  the  American  felt  his  antagonist  cease  to 
struggle,  and  he  knew  the  other  must  have  been  knocked 
senseless  through  the  blow  on  the  head  received  when  he 
came  in  contact  with  the  flagging. 

The  percussion  had  sounded  loud  enough  at  least,  to 
account  for  his  having  lost  all  interest  in  affairs  mundane. 

Roderic  hoped  he  was  not  killed,  nor  did  he  have  any 
reason  to  believe  such  a  fate  had  overtaken  the  wretched 
guard. 

At  least  everything  seemed  to  be  working  beautifully 
in  his  favor,  and  he  certainly  could  find  no  cause  for  com- 
plaint. 

What  was  to  be  done  with  this  pretty  thing,  now  that 
he  had  secured  the  prize  ? 

The  man  might  prove  to  be  something  of  a  white  ele- 
phant on  his  hands. 

However,  his  first  move  was  to  drag  out  some  stout 
cord,  with  which  he  made  the  fellow's  hands  and  feet  se- 
cure. 

In  doing  so  he  could  not  but  notice, — through  touch 


THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON.         257 

more  than  sight,  since  the  darkness  was  only  partially  dis- 
sipated by  the  moon's  inquisitive  beams  that  forced  an 
entrance — that  the  luckless  guard  had  delicate  hands  such 
as  he  had  seldom  noticed  among  the  common  Spanish  sol- 
diers. 

At  another  time  he  might  have  endeavored  to  assign 
some  logical  reason  for  this  thing,  but  just  at  the  present 
crisis  it  mattered  little. 

The  end  and  not  the  means  engrossed  his  fullest  at- 
tention. 

When  he  took  hold  of  the  senseless  guard  and  began 
dragging  him  across  the  corridor  to  the  shade  that  lay 
more  densely  in  that  quarter,  it  was  only  with  the  inten- 
tion of  getting  him  out  of  the  way,  so  that  in  case  any  one 
came  along  he  would  not  stumble  over  the  fellow  and  thus 
have  the  peculiar  status  of  affairs  rudely  thrust  upon  his 
attention. 

Perhaps  Roderic  was  not  as  careful  as  he  might  and 
should  have  been — at  any  rate  he  tripped  and  fell  over 
some  object  lying  in  his  way. 

Even  as  he  went  down  he  was  strongly  impressed  with 
the  suspicion  that  what  he  had  taken  his  cropper  over  was 
a  human  being,  and  possibly  a  second  guard  enjoying  a 
quiet  nap. 

Hence,  Roderic  scrambled  up  in  all  haste  with  the  in- 
tention of  throwing  himself  upon  the  fellow,  and  if  possi- 
ble preventing  him  from  giving  the  alarm,  for  that  was 
what  his  wretched  mistake  might  end  in. 

To  his  surprise  as  well  as  gratification  there  was  not 
the  least  sign  of  an  aroused  sentry  endeavoring  to  gather 
his  scattered  senses  and  shout  for  help. 

All  was  silent. 

He  put  out  his  hand,  groping  for  the  object  which  had 
been  the  cause  of  his  tumble. 


258  THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON. 

When  finally  he  touched  it  a  peculiar  sensation  flashed 
over  him  from  head  to  foot,  for  in  truth  it  was  a  human 
being. 

Could  the  man  be  dead  ? 

Had  there  been  some  drunken  dispute  between  the 
guards  resulting  in  a  tragedy  ? 

He  remembered  the  peculiar  actions  of  the  man  who 
now  lay  bound  near  by. 

Bending  over  the  second  fellow  he  speedily  made  a  dis- 
covery of  some  moment. 

A  strong  scent  of  liquor  greeted  him  and  his  hand  came 
upon  the  flask  still  clutched  in  the  miserable  guard's  hand. 

Where  he  got  it,  and  why  the  second  man  did  not  take 
his  share  were  puzzling  questions  which  Roderic  only 
shook  his  head  over. 

For  him  it  was  quite  sufficient  that  the  two  sentries 
had  in  different  ways  been  rendered  hors  de  combat,  and 
would  so  far  as  he  could  see,  give  him  no  further  trouble. 

So  he  left  them  there,  the  second  chap  with  his  head 
resting  lovingly  upon  the  body  of  the  toper,  two  of  a  kind 
and  well  matched,  he  considered. 

Perhaps  there  would  be  a  reckoning  when  the  officer  of 
the  guard  came  around  later,  though  if  the  flask  still  con- 
tained a  portion  of  its  original  contents  he  might  forgive 
the  erring  one. 

Roderic  sincerely  hoped  he  had  seen  the  last  of  the  two 
guards — he  expressed  a  low  but  earnest  desire  that  their 
slumbers  might  be  sweet,  and  indefinitely  prolonged — at 
least  until  his  desperate  work  had  been  accomplished. 

He  uttered  a  low  signal,  the  same  bird  call  that,  trilling 
forth  at  the  tower  corner  of  the  fortress  had  brought  Inez 
to  his  side. 

She  heard  and  gladly  tripped  forward. 


THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON.         259 

It  was  a  supreme  moment  for  her — the  girl  was  tre- 
mendously excited,  and  cast  several  quick  glances  toward 
the  spot  where  the  demoralized  section  of  the  invincible 
Spanish  army  lay. 

Roderic  noticed  how  her  eager  hand  crept  toward  her 
bosom  as  she  looked  toward  the  dimly  seen  figures,  and 
he  quickly  said: 

"Come,  we  must  find  the  door  of  his  cell." 

"You  leave  foes  upon  the  trail  you  must  tread  on  your 
return,"  was  the  significant  way  in  which  she  put  it. 

"They  are  helpless — God  forbid  I  should  do  murder," 
he  returned,  knowing  at  the  same  time  that  the  Spanish 
way  was  the  safer  way. 

The  first  cell  door  was  beside  them. 

Roderic,  bending  over  discovered  that  it  was  secured 
by  a  heavy  iron  bar — so  far  as  he  could  see  there  was  no 
other  obstacle  to  an  entrance. 

He  seized  upon  this  and  exerting  his  strength  threw  it 
over. 

It  made  something  of  a  clanking  sound,  possibly  sub- 
dued, but  to  Roderic's  mind  very  like  the  gong  of  a  rail- 
way station  dining  room. 

Inez  uttered  a  low  cry  of  alarm  and  he  could  hear  her 
whisper  the  name  of  her  patron  saint,  as  if  invoking  heav- 
enly aid. 

"It's  all  right — don't  be  alarmed,"  he  said,  encourag- 
ingly. 

Roderic  waited  to  draw  out  a  Httle  pocket  lantern  which 
when  lighted  would  throw  some  illumination  upon  their 
path. 

This  done  he  tried  the  door,  and  finding  it  fast  put  his 
shoulder  to  it. 
Under  such  pressure  further  resistance  was  utterly  out 


260  THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON. 

of  the  question,  and  the  heavy  barrier  quickly  gave  way. 

Inez  would  have  rushed  headlong  in  but  Roderic's 
sturdy  arm  prevented — he  believed  it  was  his  duty  to 
still  lead  the  van  so  long  as  the  future  was  unknown — it 
would  be  time  enough  to  yield  that  place  of  vantage  to  his 
frail  companion  in  the  venture  when  success  had  been  as- 
sured. 

So  they  passed  into  the  gloomy  dungeon,  the  history  of 
which  would  doubtless  prove  interesting  reading  as  shed- 
ding a  strong  light  upon  Spain's  methods  of  colonizing, 
for  in  the  years  gone  no  doubt  many  a  political  prisoner 
had  been  tortured  here  with  all  the  despotic  barbarism  that 
marked  the  infernal  Inquisition  of  old. 

Looking  eagerly  around  the  cell  Roderic  almost  im- 
mediately discovered  the  object  of  his  search. 

Some  one  was  standing  beside  a  chair  at  the  further  end 
— some  one  who  had  evidently  risen  hastily  at  the  sound 
of  the  clanking  iron  bar — some  one  who  uttered'  a  cry  at 
their  rough  entrance. 

Roderic  saw  and  was  at  once  struck  with  the  aston- 
ishing likeness  to  Georgia  in  the  smooth  faced  young  man 
standing  there;  but  he  had  been  prepared  for  that  fact 
since  she  herself  had  impressed  it  on  his  mind  when  he 
demanded  how  he  might  know  Leon  should  he  meet  him. 

Yes,  brother  and  sister  were  very  much  alike  and  the 
sight  of  him  just  then  gave  Roderic  something  of  a  shock, 
since  it  seemed  as  though  he  were  gazing  upon  Georgia. 

There  was  no  longer  any  need  of  restraining  Inez — at 
sight  of  the  prisoner  she  had  uttered  a  cry  bubbling  over 
with  limitless  delight  and  unable  to  longer  keep  back  the 
eager  desire  to  reach  him,  to  convince  her  ravished  eyes 
that  they  did  not  deceive  her  soul,  she  sped  forward. 

Not  straighter  does  the  arrow  fly  from  the  warrior's 


THE  STRANGE  MEETING  IN  THE  DUNGEON.         261 

bow  than  this  devoted  Spanish  girl  went  to  the  object  of 
her  devotion. 

Surely  eyes  of  love  could  easily  recognize  in  the  seem- 
ing youth  the  beautiful  daughter  of  Morro's  governor. 

Her  hat  had  fallen  off  in  the  struggle  with  Roderic,  and 
her  luxuriant  hair  dropped  almost  to  her  waist,  rendering 
further  deception  utterly  out  of  the  question. 

Roderic  fully  expected  to  see  the  amazed  prisoner  open 
his  arms  and  eagerly  take  her  close  to  his  heart  in  a  trans- 
port of  joy. 

It  was  only  natural  that  he  should  look  for  just  such 
an  ending  to  the  devoted  wife's  adventurous  search. 

To  the  astonishment  of  the  American  nothing  of  the 
kind  occurred — indeed,  a  result  about  as  contrary  as  one 
could  well  conceive,  came  to  pass. 

As  Inez  was  about  to  throw  her  arms  about  the  figure 
of  the  handsome  young  fellow,  he  put  out  his  hand  and 
gave  her  a  vigorous  push  aside,  a  push  that  caused  the 
poor  girl  to  stagger  back  against  the  wall. 

And  with  his  great  black  eyes  flashing  with  indigna- 
tion the  prisoner  cried  out : 

"Do  not  dare  to  touch  me — go  back  to  yonder  double 
faced  traitor,  and  leave  me  to  my  fate.  I  would  sooner 
be  left  here  to  moulder  than  be  resuced  by  you,  creature!" 

Roderic  was  panic  stricken — he  could  scarcely  believe 
the  evidence  of  his  senses — the  prisoner  of  the  dungeon 
was  to  all  appearances  Leon,  yet  the  voice  was  that  of 
Georgia — the  words  evidently  spoken  by  one  racked  with 
jealousy,  who  saw  in  Inez  a  hated  rivall 


CHAPTER  XXV. 
WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME. 

IT  WAS  a  remarkable  tableau. 

The  dark  dungeon  with  its  mouldy  stone  walls  was 
a  fitting  background. 

Roderic's  little  lantern  did  not  cast  a  superabundance 
of  light,  but  there  was  enough  to  show  the  three  figures 
in  the  scene. 

Inez,  poor  girl,  had  staggered  back  and  seemed  almost 
paralyzed — half  crouching  she  leaned  one  hand  against 
the  wall  for  support,  and  with  eyes  distended  by  amaze- 
ment and  horror,  stared  at  the  prisoner  as  though  ap- 
palled by  the  thought  that  her  Leon  had  gone  mad — that 
the  cruel  Spaniards  had  driven  him  out  of  his  mind,  else 
why  should  he  treat  her  so  roughly,  she  who  would  give 
her  life  for  him  if  need  be  ? 

Roderic  grasped  the  truth,  and  yet  it  was  so  astounding 
that  he  could  not  believe  the  positive  evidence  of  his 
senses. 

It  seemed  as  though  the  hand  of  a  magician  had  been 
extended  to  bring  about  such  an  amazing  transforma- 
tion. 

He  came  to  rescue  Leon,  and  found  in  the  young  man's 
dungeon — Georgia ! 

Was  ever  surprise  more  complete? 

Who  could  the  wizard  be — had  brother  and  sister  the 
power  of  changing  their  personality  at  will  ? 

Strange  fancies  rioted  through  his  excited  mind  as 

262 


WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME.  263 

he  stood  there  and  stared — the  situation  was  remarka- 
ble enough  to  arouse  the  most  extravagant  and  marvel- 
ous thoughts. 

At  the  same  time  Roderic  was  conscious  of  a  power- 
ful desire  to  take  this  bold  maid  of  San  Juan  to  his  heart, 
for  his  love  was  still  strong  within  him. 

And  as  he  thus  stood  and  looked  at  her,  perhaps  with 
reproach  upon  his  face,  the  anger  seemed  to  gradually 
^  die  away  from  her  eyes,  the  color  returned  to  her  cheeks, 
her  upraised  hand  that  had  flung  Inez  so  violently  back 
fell  to  her  side  and  she  trembled  with  a  mixture  of  emo- 
tions. 

Strange  place  indeed  for  an  explanation  and  yet  Rod- 
eric knew  it  was  bound  to  come. 

He  wished  to  know  many  things,  and  on  her  part  a 
revolution  of  feeling  must  take  part  in  her  heart  toward 
the  devoted  being  whom  she  had  so  scornfully  thrust 
aside. 

Of  the  three  then,  Inez  was  the  first  to  find  her  tongue, 
to  give  utterance  to  the  anguish  that  racked  her  soul. 

"Holy  Mother,"  she  wailed,  "he  knows  me  not — they 
have  robbed  him  of  reason — they  have  broken  my  heart. 
Oh!  Leon,  unsay  those  cruel  words — tell  me  that  you 
still  love  me,  or  I  too  must  go  mad!" 

The  prisoner  of  the  fortress  doubtless  heard,  but  never 
once  were  those  luminous  midnight  orbs  removed  from 
Roderic's  face. 

His  disguise  might  have  baffled  some  but  it  was  of  no 
avail  where  those  eyes  were  concerned. 

One  look  and  the  mask  had  been  torn  away — she  had 
known  him  from  the  instant  he  rushed  through  the  arched 
doorway. 
I     By  this  time  Roderic  had  succeeded  in  mastering  his 


264  WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME. 

emotions — at  least  he  was  in  a  fair  way  to  gradually  as- 
sume control. 

The  situation,  too,  was  becoming  unbearable,  for 
Georgia,  if  the  prisoner  could  be  the  girl  he  loved,  seemed 
gradually  being  overwhelmed  by  confusion,  perhaps  be- 
cause thus  seen  in  male  attire  by  the  man  whose  respect 
she  desired  above  all  others,  or  it  might  be  from  some 
other  equally  potent  reason. 

"Georgia!" 

Just  one  word,  but  what  an  effect  it  had  upon  the  other 
— the  prisoner  of  the  dungeon  burst  into  tears,  all  the 
while  protesting  and  accusing  Roderic  of  duplicity,  de- 
claring that  her  love  had  turned  to  hate,  and  yet  giving 
this  assertion  the  lie  by  the  very  emphasis  with  which 
she  spoke. 

It  was  a  tirade  of  almost  meaningless  phrases,  just  such 
as  one  might  expect  from  an  impulsive  whole  hearted 
daughter  of  the  tropics,  who  loved  and  suffered,  and 
whose  brave  front,  artificially  sustained,  had  given  way 
under  this  sudd'en  shock. 

Roderic  did  not  wince — Roderic  knew  he  held  the 
magic  power  in  his  grasp  whereby  he  could  change  this 
mourning  into  rejoicing — he  knew  she  loved  him  in  spite 
of  what  she  might  say,  yes  loved  him  with  an  undying 
affection  such  as  only  a  woman  of  her  stamp  could  ex- 
perience. 

He  waited  a  minute  or  so  until  she  had  exhausted  the 
violence  of  her  emotions. 

When  finally  she  had  hidden  her  face  in  her  hands, 
as  if  she  dared  no  longer  let  him  gaze  upon  her  weakness, 
Roderic  took  a  step  toward  her  and  spoke  gently. 

At  the  sound  of  his  beloved  voice  she  trembled  like  an 
aspen  leaf,  and  as  she  heard  the  astounding  intelligence 


WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME.  265 

imparted  by  his  calm  words,  first  she  looked  from  between 
her  fingers,  then  both  hands  fell  from  her  face,  and  finally 
with  bated  breath  she  hung  upon  his  closing  sentences, 
utterly  transformed,  radiant  with  a  sudden  return  of 
happiness  such  as  she  had  believed  could  never  again  be 
her  portion  on  earth. 

What  he  said  was  but  a  hurried  review  of  this  meet- 
ing with  Inez  under  such  strange  conditions,  the  appoint- 
ment he  had  made  for  a  rendezvous  in  the  plaza,  and  last 
of  all  their  desperate  undertaking  in  company  on  this 
night,  resolved  to  save  Leon  if  it  be  in  mortal  power  to 
do  so. 

She  looked  toward  Inez,  into  whose  brain  something  of 
the  wonderful  truth  was  beginning  to  enter. 

That  look  no  longer  spoke  of  contempt  and  hatred — 
there  was  a  new  light  in  her  eye  as  though  her  soul  had 
awakened  to  a  glorious  realization  of  the  possibilities 
opening  before. 

In  Inez  the  devoted  daughter  of  Morro's  stern  gover- 
nor, the  girl  who  had  saved  Leon  from  a  prison  cell  in 
Cuba,  the  woman  whose  love  had  made  her  that  same 
Leon's  wife  and  who  was  therefore  her  own  sister,  she 
saw  a  different  being  from  the  dark-eyed  houri  whom 
she  once  believed  had  stolen  Roderic's  heart — circum- 
stances alter  cases,  and  the  same  scene  we  have  looked 
upon  in  the  deceptive  moonlight  becomes  transformed  in 
the  garish  light  of  day. 

"His  wife— my  brother's  wife — oh !  what  is  this  strange 
thing  you  tell  me — that  would  be  too  much  happiness — 
I  must  be  dreaming." 

The  girl  had  met  with  such  a  revulsion  of  feeling  that 
she  threatened  to  become  incoherent  again ;  but  Roderic, 
advancing  another  step  laid  a  hand  upon  her  arm,  his 


266  WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME. 

touch  acting  like  magic,  for  he  seemed  to  infuse  some  of 
his  own  calmness  into  her. 

"Go  closer  to  Inez — see,  the  poor  girl  is  bewildered, 
overwhelmed  at  rinding  you  here  when  she  expected  Leon, 
just  as  I  too  am  deeply  puzzled.  Speak  to  her — ask  her 
who  she  is,  and  what  she  seeks  at  the  risk  of  her  life. 
Ah !  you  cannot  hate  her,  sweetheart,  she  who  loves  your 
brother  so  dearly — your  sister.  Take  her  to  your  heart, 
you  two  whom  Heaven  has  brought  together  £o  strangely." 

His  words  stirred'  both  of  those  who  heard — the  girls 
looked  at  each  other  yearningly,  for  a  new  emotion  had 
leaped  into  their  souls. 

Unable  to  longer  restrain  their  feminine  feelings  they 
were  speedily  clasped  in  each  others'  arms,  while  Rod- 
eric  stood  by,  holding  his  little  lantern,  complacently 
watching  the  demonstration,  meanwhile  congratulating 
himself  that  his  skies  had  cleared  and  that  the  future 
promised  glorious  possibilities. 

He  was  still  greatly  puzzled  and  for  the  life  of  him 
unable  to  comprehend  how  Georgia  could  take  the  place  of 
Leon  in  this  dungeon  of  the  old  fortress,  difficult  of  ac- 
cess and  vigilantly  guarded  by  not  only  one  but  two  sen- 
tries. 

At  the  same  time  he  knew  an  explanation  would  speed- 
ily be  forthcoming,  and  hence  exercised  what  patience 
he  possessed. 

It  is  not  so  difficult  to  do  this  when  all  things  seem  to 
be  coming  one's  way. 

Presently  Georgia  remembered. 

As  she  turned  from  Inez  and  faced  her  lover,  face  and 
neck  were  suffused  with  scarlet. 

In  his  eyes  it  was  a  beautiful  sight,  and  he  could  not 
remember  ever  having  seen  her  look  so  charming. 


WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME.  267 

"Oh !  Roderic,  can  you,  will  you  forgive  my  cruel,  un- 
just suspicions,  my  insane  jealousy  that  caused  me  to 
treat  you  so  bitterly,  that  refused  to  hear  your  explana- 
tions? I  do  not  deserve  your  love,  but  God  knows  I 
could  not  live  without  it.  Tell  me  you  forgive  such  a 
wretch,  and  make  me  happy  again." 

He  opened  wide  his  arms,  and  forgetting  her  confusion, 
forgetting  everything  but  that  she  loved  him  and  had 
again  found  Paradise,  her  head  was  quickly  pillowed  on 
his  shoulder,  and  she  looked  up  into  his  face,  smiling 
through  her  tears. 

"You  do  forgive?" 

"As  I  hope  to  be  forgiven.  Let  it  be  forgotten,  even 
as  you  said  of  my  transgression.  We  love — we  have  been 
true  to  each  other — the  future  lies  before  us,  why  should 
we  burden  ourselves  with  foolish  doubts  and  fears? 
From  this  hour  then  we  begin  anew,  nor  may  all  Satan's 
power  prevail  against  us,  nor  shall  I  have  reason  to  fear 
a  Jerome  or  a  Julio,  the  latter  of  whom  turns  out  to  be 
the  erring  black  sheep  in  the  family  of  Inez— her  step- 
brother. As  to  Leon " 

"Carramba!  yes,  what  of  Leon?"  cried  Inez,  with  sud- 
denly renewed  interest. 

What  indeed. 

Roderic  himself  was  conscious  of  a  keen  interest  in 
the  young  man— where  had  he  gone  and  what  brought 
Georgia  to  his  dungeon? 

Plainly  the  time  had  arrived  for  explanations,  nor  did 
Georgia  show  a  disposition  to  withhold  them. 

"You  wonder  to  find  me  here  ?"  she  said,  releasing  her- 
self from  his  arms. 

"Naturally  so." 

"And  disguised  as— as,  a  man,"  with  confusion. 


268  WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME. 

"Under  the  conditions  if  you  came  here  at  all  it  would 
have  to  be  under  false  colors." 

"The  case  was  desperate — it  admitted  of  no  false  mod- 
esty. Leon  was  to  be  shot  in  the  morning.  I  laid  my 
plans  and  sought  help  of  the  only  one  I  believed  I  could 
trust  in  all  San  Juan.  Heaven  bless  her  kind  spirit,  and 
forgive  me  for  ever  having  believed  she  could  have 
stooped  so  low  as  to  take  the  heart  that  belonged  to  me." 

"What !  you  went  to  Cleo  ?"  he  exclaimed. 

"Nothing  more  nor  less,  since  I  dared  not  ask  the  ac- 
tive assistance  of  my  guardian  Don  Porfidio,  who  en- 
deavored in  vain  to  have  Leon's  sentence  dismissed  or 
changed.  Yes,  the  Senorita  Cleo  not  only  received  me 
warmly  but  gave  me  aid  and  promised  that  if  we  suc- 
ceeded Leon  should  sail  away  on  her  yacht  to  safety." 

"God  bless  her!"  muttered  Roderic. 

"And  he  will,  beloved,  depend  on  it.  But  time  will 
not  permit  me  to  tell  all.  Her  Captain  Beven  came 
ashore  with  me,  and  waits  near  by  for  us  to  join  him. 
Unfortunately  we  met  Jerome  on  the  street,  showing 
Captain  Shackelford  the  sights  of  San  Juan.  I  know 
he  recognized  me  in  spite  of  my  disguise  for  they  hung 
upon  our  track  until  we  drew  near  the  fortress.  I  fear 
he  may  discover  the  truth  and  in  some  way  overwhelm 
us  with  trouble.  He  is  my  evil  genius — something 
within  tells  me  that  through  Senor  Wellington  the  most 
bitter  trial  of  my  life  must  come.  But  at  last  we  seemed 
to  shake  them  off,  and  I  found  an  opportunity  to  enter 
this  awful  place." 

Roderic  shuddered  to  think  of  this  valiant  girl  under- 
taking such  a  gigantic  task  alone — it  seemed  almost  in- 
credible, and  he  would  not  have  believed  it  had  not  the 
fact  come  under  his  own  observation. 


WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME.  269 

"But — how  did  you  gain  entrance  to  this  cell,  and — 
where  has  Leon  gone  ?" 

"Yes,  tell  us  of  him,  I  implore,"  echoed  Inez,  who  had 
hung  upon  every  word. 

"You  shall  hear.  I  already  knew  where  my  poor 
brother  was  confined, — how  I  learned  the  facts  I  shall  not 
say  just  now;  and  after  infinite  trouble  I  came  to  where 
a  guard  walked  up  and  down  before  a  barred  door  be- 
hind which  I  was  positive  Leon  might  be  found. 

"All  had  been  prepared,  Captain  Beven  having  so 
doctored  a  flask  of  liquor  that  the  wretch  drinking  half 
of  it  would  be  overwhelmed  by  sleep. 

"While  the  guard  walked  away  from  me  I  placed  this 
bait  where  he  would  be  apt  to  kick  it  with  his  foot  on 
his  return. 

"Everything  worked  smoothly,  Senor  Owen — the  fel- 
low gulped  down  some  of  the  stuff  and  presently  slept 
as  sweetly  as  a  cherub." 

"Is  sleeping  still,  and  good  for  ten  hours,"  declared 
Roderic,  and  then  resumed  his  attitude  of  listener,  be- 
lieving that  something  of  deep  importance  was  coming 
next. 

"When  this  result  had  been  secured  I  opened  the  door 
and  found  Leon  alive  and  well." 

Inez  uttered  a  fervent  prayer  of  thanks. 

"I  had  brought  him  some  garments  to  put  on,  such  as 
the  Spanish  soldiers  wear,  but  knowing  the  hour  was  near 
when  the  officer  of  the  guard  would  come  along  to  see 
that  each  sentry  was  in  his  place  it  was  decided  that  until 
that  critical  time  passed  I  was  to  remain  in  the  cell,  while 
with  the  door  barred  Leon  would  take  the  sentry's  gun 
and  mount  guard ' 


27°  WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME. 

her  very  soul,  and  turning  from  them  darted  toward  the 
door  of  the  dungeon. 

Roderic  knew  what  it  meant. 

He  suddenly  remembered  how  he  had  placed  the  ner- 
vous guard  hors  de  combat — at  the  time  he  considered 
this  a  remarkably  clever  piece  of  business — now  he  was 
ready  to  call  himself  a  fool  for  his  action. 

Good  Heavens !  what  if  he  had  gone  a  little  further 
than  he  intended — what  if  the  breath  had  refused  to  re- 
turn to  the  seeming  guard  after  his  fall — it  was  Leon 
whom  he  had  assailed,  Leon,  the  very  man  for  whose 
sake,  considering  the  fact  that  he  was  her  brother,  he  had 
taken  all  this  deadly  risk. 

No  wonder  then  he  hurried  after  the  impulsive  wife, 
whom  love  sent  flying  through  the  cell  door. 

And  Georgia,  as  yet  failing  to  grasp  the  true  sense  of 
the  situation,  and  unwilling  to  remain  behind,  also  fol- 
lowed. 

As  Roderic  issued  from  the  dungeon  he  discovered 
Inez  bending  over  the  form  of  the  bound  guard,  and  the 
American  held  his  breath  with  suspense  as  he  hurried 
toward  them. 

Ere  he  arrived  however  he  was  reassured. 

"He  lives,  senor,  thanks  be  to  the  Virgin — it  is  I,  my 
Leon,  your  Inez  who  has  sworn  to  save  you  nor  share 
your  fate.  A  knife  Senor  Owen,  so  that  we  may  cut 
loose  his  arms.  Oh!  blessed  moment  that  I  behold  you 
alive!" 

Thus  alternately  addressing  Roderic  and  anon  her  hus- 
band, Inez  pillowed  the  head  of  the  bound  man,  who 
seemed  too  amazed  to  speak. 

When  however  Roderic  had  opened  his  pocket  knife 
and  severed  the  bonds  with  which  he  had  so  carefully 


WHEN  THE  OFFICER  OF  THE  GUARD  CAME.  271 

bound  his  victim,  he  was  rejoiced  to  see  him  immediately 
sit  up. 

All  seemed  to  be  going  well. 

Perhaps  fortune  had  other  favors  in  store  for  them — 
at  least  the  clouds  were  rolling  away,  leaving  a  clear 
sky  above. 

Inez  had  by  this  time  managed  to  get  her  arms  around 
the  neck  of  her  husband,  and  was  uttering  happy  ex- 
pressions of  endearment. 

Roderic  himself  would  not  have  minded  copying  this 
example,  with  the  being  he  loved  so  close  by,  but  just 
at  this  juncture  the  happy  scene  was  rudely  and  suddenly 
disturbed  by  a  gruff  voice  uttering  in  vigorous  Spanish 
some  astonishment  at  what  was  occurring  in  the  grim  pas- 
sage of  the  old  fortress. 

Of  course  it  was  the  miserable  officer  making  his 
rounds,  and  who  had  arrived  just  at  this  interesting  mo- 
ment. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT. 

IT  WAS  dreadfully  unfortunate  that  such  a  miserable 
contretemps  seemed  bound  to  occur  as  that  the  officer 
of  the  guard  must  arrive  upon  the  scene  just  at  this  mo- 
ment. 

Roderic,  upon  hearing  the  first  Spanish  word  in  that 
thick  voice  knew  discovery  was  at  hand,  and  the  little 
cherub  of  good  fortune  had  suddenly  taken  a  back  seat. 

If  anything  were  done  to  prevent  a  general  alarm 
from  going  forth,  it  would  have  to  come  from  him,  since 
Leon  was  hardly  in  a  position  to  attempt  any  aggressive 
act,  having  a  woman's  arms  about  his  neck. 

Roderic  unfortunately  had  his  back  turned  in  the 
quarter  from  whence  the  men  advanced,  else  he  might 
have  detected  the  glow  of  light  even  before  they  turned 
the  corner  of  the  passage. 

There  was  little  use  in  crying  over  spilt  milk. 

What  was  done  could  not  be  undone. 

The  best  he  could  do  was  to  make  some  show  of  hold- 
ing the  enemy,  perhaps  incarcerating  him  in  the  dungeon 
so  lately  Leon's  abode. 

Unfortunately  it  happened  that  the  rules  and  regula- 
tions of  the  Spanish  army  do  not  allow  a  captain  of  the 
guard  to  make  his  rounds  alone  and  unattended. 

A  non  commissioned  officer,  perhaps  a  sergeant,  stood 
at  his  side  holding  the  lantern  and  presenting  a  most  as- 
tonished appearance  at  witnessing  so  remarkable  a  scene. 

272 


A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT.  273 

Roderic,  without  losing  time,  made  a  dive  at  the  two 
soldiers,  having  whipped  out  his  revolver. 

"Surrender!"  he  exclaimed,  not  forgetting  to  put  the 
emphatic  word  in  Spanish  as  became  the  character  he 
represented. 

To  his  disgust  the  fellow  who  held  the  lantern  was  so 
overwhelmed  by  his  alarm  that  his  fingers  lost  their  grip, 
consequently  the  article  of  illumination  fell  from  his  grasp 
and  as  Roderic's  little  affair  had  taken  a  notion  to  go  out, 
owing  to  the  abrupt  movement  he  made,  they  found  them- 
selves enveloped  in  darkness  that  was  not  excelled  by 
that  of  Egypt  when  the  plague  came. 

It  was  very  very  unfortunate. 

Just  when  the  Yankee  had  begun  to  feel  confident  he 
could  grasp  the  game,  and  manipulate  it  to  his  liking,  it 
was  snatched  out  of  his  hands. 

He  knew  the  two  men  were  beating  a  hasty  retreat, 
for  they  made  plenty  of  noise  as  they  stumbled  along  the 
dark  passage. 

"We  must  lose  no  time — Leon,  look  to  your  wife — 
this  way  Georgia — please  Heaven  we  will  yet  find  safety 
on  Cleo's  yacht." 

He  had  thrown  a  stout  arm  around  her,  and  together 
they  pushed  forward,  while  the  others  came  close  behind. 

At  last  the  moon  had  pity  for  their  misfortunes,  for 
presently  the  fair  mistress  of  the  night  shone  forth  and 
dissipated  some  of  the  shadows  that  had  hung  so  heavily 
around  them. 

If  it  had  been  of  moment  that  Roderic  should  use  cau- 
tion in  making  his  advance  toward  the  dungeon,  surely 
there  was  now  double  reason  for  such  exactness,  since 
their  case  was  desperate  enough  without  any  further  ac- 
cidents, such  as  wandering  from  the  beaten  track. 


274  A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT. 

Fortunately  they  were  two,  and  where  his  knowledge  of 
the  right  passage  was  in  doubt  Georgia  came  to  the  rescue 
with  her  woman's  wit. 

Thus  they  went  on  without  a  mistake. 

It  was  useless  to  hope  they  could  escape  from  the  whole 
result  of  this  unfortunate  discovery,  for  the  captain  of 
the  guard  and  his  attendant  had  kept  up  a  constant  bawl- 
ing as  they  stumbled  and  threshed  along,  so  if  under 
the  impression  that  an  enemy  chased  hard  upon  their  heels 
with  naked  swords,  ready  to  impale  them  thereon. 

Of  course  this  must  ere  now  have  placed  every  guard 
along  the  ramparts  on  the  alert,  and  the  chances  of  the 
fugitives  getting  out  of  the  fortress  in  safety  were  scant 
indeed. 

"Faint  heart  ne'er  won  fair  lady,"  as  Roderic  well 
knew,  and  he  was  one  of  those  men  who,  having  sallied 
forth  to  accomplish  a  given  object,  allow  no  obstacle  to 
prevent  them  from  attaining  that  end,  so  long  as  a  sturdy 
arm  can  prevail. 

He  never  magnified  evils  that  cast  their  ugly  shadows 
before,  while  at  the  same  time  it  was  not  his  principle 
to  under  estimate  a  foe. 

At  length  they  drew  near  the  breach  in  the  wall,  which 
had  offered  Roderic  such  friendly  assistance  when  enter- 
ing the  fortress  of  San  Juan. 

He  had  not  forgotten  the  two  sentries  to  whose  inter- 
esting remarks  he  had  listened  as  he  crouched  there  in 
the  dark  aperture  under  their  feet. 

He  could  see  them  plainly  standing  there  in  an  ex- 
pectant attitude,  as  though  under  the  belief  that  an  at- 
tack of  some  sort  was  coming,  for  in  no  other  way  could 
they  account  for  the  loud  shouts  borne  to  their  ears. 

It  was  a  case  necessitating  heroic  treatment. 


A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT.  275 

Roderic  knew  that  nothing  could  be  gained  by  delay 
and  that  the  demoralization  of  the  guards  was  what 
would  be  to  their  best  advantage. 

He  crawled  in  advance  of  the  others  and  deliberately 
opened  fire  upon  the  two  men. 

It  was  his  intention  to  wound  rather  than  slay,  but 
he  had  life  and  liberty  at  stake,  and  could  not  be  blamed 
if  he  sent  in  the  shots  thick  and  fast.  The  way  must  be 
cleared  and  those  fellows  above  held  it  in  their  power 
to  prevent  an  escape,  since  they  controlled  the  only  exit 
with  which  he  was  acquainted. 

Nor  was  the  bombardment  all  one  sided. 

The  first  sentry  was  struck  in  the  leg,  and  dropping 
his  Mauser  rifle  he  went  hobbling  away,  bellowing  as 
lustily  as  a  calf;  but  his  comrade  was  made  of  better 
stuff,  and  at  once  opened  fire  in  the  quarter  from  whence 
the  shots  came. 

This  was  serious  enough,  for  one  of  the  steel  clad  bul- 
lets, even  while  missing  Roderic  might  glance  from 
some  stone  and  do  damage  beyond. 

So  the  American  forgot  that  he  had  intended  to  simply 
wound,  and  began  firing  point  blank,  in  the  hope  of  down- 
ing the  Spaniard  before  he  could  do  any  damage. 

He  was  rejoiced  then  to  see  the  man  suddenly  stagger 
back,  raise  his  weapon  half  way  to  his  shoulder,  fire  a 
last  shot;  and  then  gun  and  sentry  fell  on  the  rampart 
together. 

The  way  was  open ! 

It  had  been  cleared  at  heavy  cost — just  how  heavy  Rod- 
eric  did  not  even  suspect  at  the  time. 

"Come,"  he  said,  huskily,  "over  the  wall  and  down  to 
safety — it  is  our  only  hope!" 

And  while  the  roll  of   the  drum  called    the    Spanish 


276  A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT. 

garrison  to  quarters  and  soldiers  hurried  to  doubly  guard 
the  walls,  the  fugitives  scrambled  over  the  debris  that 
half  blocked  the  breach  in  the  old  fortress  made  by  the 
guns  of  Sampson's  war  ships. 

Over  these  impediments  Roderic  assisted  Georgia,  nor 
could  he  fail  to  notice  how  strangely  she  seemed  to  hesi- 
tate, trusting  almost  entirely  in  his  strong  arm,  which 
was  so  unlike  the  Georgia  he  had  known  of  old. 

Perhaps  the  realization  of  her  dream,  and  the  rescue 
of  Leon  from  his  dungeon  had  brought  about  this  singular 
result. 

At  any  rate  there  was  no  time  given  in  which  to  con- 
sider it. 

Prompt  action  alone  could  take  them  through  with 
flying  colors. 

The  martial  sounds  increased — one  could  almost  im- 
agine the  garrison  prepared  to  receive  an  attack  from  the 
whole  of  General  Miles'  invading  army. 

If  noise  could  accomplish  it  such  an  assault  would  be 
beaten  back  readily  enough,  for  the  tumult  already  ex- 
tended beyond  the  fortress  and  was  penetrating  the  town. 

Roderic  would  have  felt  inclined  to  laugh  but  for  the 
seriousness  of  the  occasion — it  was  like  a  child  and  a 
stack  of  cards  pitched  on  end — a  touch  of  the  first  sends 
the  whole  pack  falling ;  or  a  spark  of  fire  coming  in  con- 
tact with  a  train  of  gunpowder — so  the  shouting  passed 
from  street  to  street  and  San  Juan  was  racked  with 
the  commotion. 

It  was  a  big  send'  off,  at  any  rate,  and  those  responsi- 
ble for  it  could  possibly  find  some  future  satisfaction  in 
knowing  that  San  Juan  had  not  received  such  a  shock 
since  that  early  May  morning  when  Sampson  stirred 
things  up  with  his  war  terrors  of  the  sea. 


A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT.  277 

By  rare  good  luck  the  fugitives  managed  to  get  down 
from  the  break  in  the  massive  wall  without  any  serious 
accident. 

Several  times  one  would  stumble  as  a  portion  of  the 
debris  slipped  under  foot,  or  the  tangle  of  the  moon- 
flower  vines  tripped  them  up;  but  these  little  accidents 
bore  no  result. 

Once  upon  terra  firma  Roderic  knew  what  he  had  ar- 
ranged was  all  very  well,  but  if  Cleo  had  sent  Captain 
Beven  to  the  rescue,  his  boat  might  after  all  be  more 
advantageously  located  than  the  one  Owen  had  in  mind. 

"To  the  left !"  said  Georgia,  breathing  heavily,  for  the 
task  just  finished  had  been  a  severe  one. 

Of  course  that  meant  that  Beven  was  waiting  near  by, 
and  Roderic  was  fully  content  to  let  events  drift  him 
from  now  on. 

Hardly  had  they  gone  a  dozen  paces  than  the  bluff 
English  sailor  showed  up. 

Perhaps  he  was  surprised  at  discovering  the  presence 
of  Roderic,  who  made  his  identity  known  immediately, 
but  if  so  no  one  knew  it,  for  Beven  was  a  matter  of 
fact  old  fellow,  who  took  things  as  they  came. 

The  flight  was  hastily  resumed — indeed,  it  would  have 
been  madness  to  have  halted  any  length  of  time  with 
such  signs  of  an  aroused  military  power  all  around  them. 

Beven  had  assumed  the  lead,  and  as  he  was  supposed 
to  have  his  bearings,  so  that  the  shortest  route  to  the 
boat  could  be  taken  Roderic  was  only  too  glad  to  resign 
the  whole  affair  into  his  hands. 

It  was  at  this  critical  juncture,  when  hope  began  to 
rise  strongly  in  their  hearts,  that  a  new  element  was  in- 
jected into  the  game. 

Jerome  and  Captain  Shackelford  had  indeed  made  a 


278  A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT. 

strong  guess  as  to  the  mission  of  Beven  and  the  dis- 
guised Georgia. 

When  they  finally  lost  them  in  the  neighborhood  of 
the  old  fortress,  Shackelford  had  suggested  that  they 
visit  the  Spanish  barracks  not  far  away,  and  talk  the  mat- 
ter over  with  the  colonel  in  charge,  who  was  an  old  friend 
of  the  sea  captain. 

Thus,  when  the  alarm  broke  out,  they  surmised  that 
Beven  had  something  to  do  with  it,  and  accompanied 
by  a  file  of  soldiers,  posted  in  hot  haste  toward  the  spot. 

It  was  our  friends'  misfortune  to  meet  them  on  the 
way. 

There  were  no  means  of  hiding — indeed,  the  hostile 
squads  discovered  each  other  at  about  the  same  moment. 

What  made  it  the  more  aggravating  was  the  fact  that 
the  soldiers  were  directly  between  them  and  the  bay — 
just  a  little  beyond  could  be  seen  the  dimpled  water,  flash- 
ing in  the  glorious  light  of  the  moon. 

What  was  to  be  done? 

Retreat  had  been  rendered  impossible,  for  Roderic  was 
so  confused  by  the  several  turns  taken  that  he  would  not 
have  known  how  to  reach  his  boat. 

To  surrender  meant  ignominious  death. 

An  Anglo-Saxon  could  not  dream  of  submitting  to 
such  disgrace  while  one  door  yet  remained  open. 

That  door  was  a  gallant  charge. 

Beven  knew  his  nation  was  not  at  war  with  Spain, 
but  his  sympathies  were  wholly  with  those  who  spoke  the 
same  tongue — blood  is  thicker  than  water,  and  with 
prophetic  wisdom  he  like  many  of  his  race,  saw  signs  in 
the  air  to  indicate  that  the  time  was  coming  when  Great 
Britain  and  her  colonies  would  stand  fast  with  the  great 
Republic  against  the  rest  of  the  world — for  peace! 


A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT.  279 

Therefore  he  was  ready  to  step  in,  this  gallant  son  of 
Neptune  who  had  seen  many  a  hot  engagement  under 
the  flag  of  St.  George. 

"We  must  cut  through  or  all  is  lost!"  cried  Roderic, 
clinching  his  teeth  in  anticipation  of  the  hot  time  that 
was  coming. 

"Good.    I'm  with  you !"  snapped  the  sailor,  grimly. 

Leon  had  been  armed  and  was  eager  for  the  fray — 
eager  to  strike  a  blow  because  of  the  suffering  and  in- 
dignities put  upon  him  by  these  Spanish  tories  who  loved 
not  Porto  Rico. 

"Forward,  then,  and  God  defend  the  right!" 

Roderic  had  hardly  spoken  before  they  were  once  again 
in  motion,  having  involuntarily  halted  at  first  sight  of 
the  foe. 

As  the  Spaniards  had  also  started  forward,  the  two 
hostile  bodies  were  advancing  toward  each  other  with  a 
rapidity  that  promised  to  speedily  bring  them  into  con- 
tact. 

Roderic's  martial  spirit  was  fully  awakened. 

He  only  feared  for  the  devoted  girl  who  clung  so 
closely  to  him — on  her  account  he  was  like  a  lion  aroused, 
and  all  thought  of  pity  for  those  against  whom  they  must 
come  in  battle  array  vanished  from  his  heart. 

Beven  knew  the  advantage  that  must  accrue  from  a 
hot  fire  delivered  before  the  others  thought  of  opening 
the  engagement. 

"Altogether — make  it  warm  for  the  dagoes!"  he  said, 
swinging  his  right  arm  on  a  level. 

Then  flashes  of  fire  leaped  out,  and  the  rattle  of  re- 
volvers sounded  like  giant  hail  stones  beating  on  an  enor- 
mous kettle. 

It  was  a  perfect  cyclone  of  lead  that  whipped  along 
that  narrow  street  leading  to  the  bay. 


280  A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT. 

Hardly  a  shot  was  wasted. 

Confusion  and  consternation  seemed  to  overwhelm  the 
Spaniards. 

Brave  men  they  may  have  been,  but  there  is  a  limit  to 
endurance,  a  time  when  panic  sweeps  irrisistibly  through 
the  mind,  and  each  individual  feels  that  he  is  the  only  one 
remaining  alive  of  many. 

So  it  was  no  doubt  here. 

The  hurricane  of  missiles  had  done  considerable  dam- 
age, but  the  abruptness  and  violence  with  which  the 
storm  burst  upon  them  was  of  even  more  value  in  com- 
pleting the  utter  demoralization  of  the  Spaniards. 

Jerome  and  Shackelford  were  the  only  ones  left  stand- 
ing in  the  street  when  the  fusilade  ceased,  and  the  cap- 
tain had  but  one  leg  left  upon  which  he  could  rely. 

Wellington  had  thrown  both  arms  into  the  air  as  a 
token  that  his  teeth  were  drawn  and  that  he  surrendered. 

"To  the  boat!"  said  Captain  Beven,  knowing  that  a 
thousand  Spanish  soldiers  would  be  on  the  spot  ere  ten 
minutes  had  passed. 

Although  this  round  had  been  so  gloriously  won  he 
knew  they  still  had  a  hard  row  to  hoe  ere  success  could 
be  assured. 

Still,  when  were  brave  hearts  of  the  Saxon  race  dis- 
mayed by  even  overwhelming  odds — the  record  of  many 
a  fierce  battle  fought  on  European,  Asian,  African  and 
American  fields  bears  testimony  of  their  dauntless  grit. 

Jerome's  attitude  would  have  been  ludicrous  at  any 
other  time — he  seemed  desirous  of  raising  his  arms  to 
their  highest  possible  level. 

"You  have  won — you  deserve  success — I  have  had 
enough — count  me  out,  and  good  luck  go  with  the  whole 
of  you !"  was  what  he  bawled  as  they  passed  him  by. 


A  RACE  TO  THE  BOAT.  281 

The  tiger's  claws  had  been  trimmed. 

Shackelford  was  not  so  magnanimous — he  had  a  game 
leg  that  would  trouble  him  no  doubt  for  the  rest  of  his 
life,  and  his  benediction  was  in  the  shape  of  some  hot 
blasphemy  that  doubtless  eased  his  soul  more  or  less. 

It  was  a  strange  parting  from  the  villain  of  the  play — 
but  then  Jerome  was  after  all  only  an  adventurer  whose 
maxim  it  was  to  sip  honey  from  the  beautiful  flowers,  and 
leave  dangerous  briars  alone. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

WHEN  THE  SPANISH  FLAG  LEFT  PORTO  RICO  FOREVER. 

ANOTHER  short  run  would  take  them  to  the  water's 
edge  where  a  boat  awaited,  and  sturdy  English  muscles 
were  eager  to  row  them  to  safety. 

Captain  Beven  had  taken  the  precaution  to  make  Span- 
iards out  of  his  men  and  himself,  in  the  expectation  that 
such  a  conceit  might  avail  to  save  Cleo  future  trouble ; 
for  such  an  event  as  this  could  easily  be  made  the  foun- 
dation of  an  international  dispute,  and  the  Spanish  gov- 
ernment find  just  cause  to  demand  damages  from  John 
Bull. 

Down  the  calle  they  went,  in  the  midst  of  shouts  and 
execrations  from  a  myriad  of  heads  that  protruded  from 
the  windows  on  either  side. 

That  the  owners  neither  knew  what  was  in  the  wind 
nor  cared  a  peseta  was  a  foregone  conclusion;  but  they 
could  not  resist  giving  tongue  after  the  manner  of  their 
kind  and  according  to  the  stripe  of  their  belief. 

It  was  a  hot  finish. 

Roderic  did  not  breathe  easily  until  they  reached  the 
boat. 

Then  he  began  to  believe  there  was  a  strong  chance 
for  boarding  the  yacht. 

It  would  not  be  a  walk  over,  for  pursuit  had  been  in- 
augurated, and  the  shouts  of  the  angry  soldiery  rang 
down  the  narrow  street. 

The  embarkation  was  speedily  accomplished — indeed, 
282 


WHEN  THE  SPANISH  FLAG  LEFT  PORTO  RICO.         283 

almost  like  magic  they  found  themselves  in  the  boat,  the 
sailors  sprang  after,  oars  were  unshipped  and  the  shore 
left  behind. 

What  a  paean  of  thanksgiving  seemed  to  arise  in 
Owen's  heart  when  he  saw  the  long  prayed  for  con- 
summation of  their  hopes  accomplished — as  the  shore  re- 
ceded, each  stroke  of  the  oars  appeared  like  a  measure  in 
the  glad  anthem  that  swelled  upward  from  his  very  soul. 

For  success  meant  to  him  more  than  life — he  had 
fought  for  love,  and  Paradise  opened  wide  her  doors. 

Then  he  cast  an  anxious  look  above — oh,  pale  moon, 
sailing  so  serenely  athwart  the  heavens,  show  yet  again 
your  sympathy  and  gentle  mercy  by  veiling  that  bright 
face  behind  some  friendly  cloud — it  were  worth  a  king's 
ransom  to  have  this  occur,  but  it  was  vouchsafed  them 
without  money  and  without  price. 

The  moon  dipped  out  of  sight  behind  a  black,  ragged 
mass  of  clouds,  and  the  bay  of  San  Juan  was  for  the  time 
being  wrapped  in  semi-gloom.  Even  Providence  seemed 
on  their  side. 

When  the  Spanish  soldiers  reached  the  water's  edge 
they  fired  at  random,  but  none  of  the  missiles  came  any- 
where near  them  in  the  boat. 

Faster  rowed  the  British  tars,  knowing  full  well  that 
boats  must  already  have  put  out  in  pursuit,  and  delay 
meant  trouble. 

Roderic  cast  many  an  anxious  glance  up  toward  that 
section  of  the  heavens  where  moon  and  cloud  were  having 
a  royal  warfare,  and  he  was  delighted  to  discover  that 
the  former  would  evidently  be  discounted  in  the  battle — 
at  least  the  reign  of  the  cloud  would  last  until  they  had 
reached  the  Dreadnaught  and  were  sheltered  by  her  bulk 
from  searching  eyes. 


284 

So  it  happened. 

One  and  all  had  gained  her  deck  and  the  boat  was 
hauled  up  to  the  davits  ere  the  face  of  fair  Luna  peeped 
inquisitively  forth. 

Looking  toward  the  shore  they  saw  a  dozen  boats,  all 
occupied  by  Spanish  soldiers  in  pursuit  of  a  little  sailboat 
or  sloop  that,  taking  advantage  of  the  night  wind  was 
endeavoring  to  slip  out  of  the  harbor,  being  possibly  a 
smuggler  engaged  in  defying  the  severe  duties  placed  up- 
on all  imports  by  Spanish  laws. 

Fortune  seemed  never  to  tire  of  aiding  their  cause — 
it  was  one  chance  in  a  thousand  that  this  smuggler  should 
start  just  at  such  a  moment,  and  divert  the  attention  of 
the  enraged  Spaniards. 

Perhaps,  however,  a  guilty  conscience  had  something 
to  do  with  the  matter,  for  those  on  board  the  contra- 
bandist a  boat  must  have  believed  the  tremendous  row 
ashore  had  to  do  with  their  presence  in  the  bay,  and 
spreading  their  white  wings  they  had  flown  seaward. 

Several  volleys  were  fired  after  them  by  the  soldiers, 
and  there  came  a  deep  boom  or  two  later  announcing 
that  the  fort  commanding  the  entrance  to  the  bay  had 
taken  a  few  chances  at  the  escaping  boat;  but  the  moon 
had  again  plunged  behind  the  clouds,  and  besides,  those 
on  board  the  sloop  knew  every  foot  of  the  offing  so  that 
the  way  to  escape  was  open. 

But  Roderic,  even  though  the  yacht  was  in  motion,  and 
there  was  more  or  less  danger  of  a  bombardment  from 
the  forts,  had  lost  all  interest  in  the  result. 

He  was  hovering  over  the  berth  where  they  had  laid 
Georgia,  for  upon  reaching  the  deck  the  girl  had  fainted 
in  his  arms — she  had  been  wounded,  perhaps  by  the 
glancing  bullet  that  came  from  the  guard's  Mauser  when 
he  took  his  last  shot. 


WHEN  THE  SPANISH  FLAG  LEFT  PORTO  RICO.         285 

All  were  dismayed  to  discover  it,  and  Roderic  felt  a 
dumb  anguish  creeping  over  his  heart  as  he  awaited  the 
doctor's  report. 

It  was  a  serious  wound,  with  the  chances  against  her 
surviving  in  such  a  warm  climate. 

The  truth  almost  paralyzed  poor  Roderic — for  this 
had  he  labored,  that  Leon  should  be  saved  and  his  sister 
yield  up  her  bright  young  life  ? 

Heaven  alone  knows  what  he  suffered  during  the 
weary  hours  of  suspense. 

When  the  dread  summons  came  and  he  knew  he  had 
lost  her,  the  awful  nature  of  the  blow  almost  crushed  him. 

For  once  in  his  life  he  felt  like  cursing  the  Providence 
that  rules  over  all. 

Georgia  passed  away  with  her  arm  about  his  neck,  her 
head  pillowed  on  his  breast,  and  her  last  whispered  words 
were : 

"How  I  love  you,  my  Roderic — do  not  quite  forget  the 
poor  daughter  of  Porto  Rico !" 

As  if  he  could  forget — so  long  as  life  remained  her 
image  must  always  be  enshrined  in  his  heart. 

Perhaps  it  was  just  as  well  for  his  future  happiness — 
love  like  Georgia's,  so  hot  and  inflammable,  does  not  al- 
ways bring  that  peace  and  content  of  mind  which  most 
men  who  speak  the  English  tongue  desire  as  their  portion 
— it  would  mean  an  iceberg,  a  volcano — cold  one  hour  and 
scorching  the  next. 

Yes,  perhaps  Providence  ordered  it  for  the  best. 

And  Georgia  who  seemed  gifted  with  unusually  clear 
vision,  Georgia  must  have  realized  this,  for  had  she  not 
placed  Cleo's  hand  in  his,  and  solemnly  declared  that  it 
was  her  dying  wish  he  should  in  due  time  take  this  fair 
blue-eyed  cousin  for  his  own. 


2#6         WHEN  THE  SPANISH  FLAG  LEFT  PORTO  RICO. 

At  first  in  the  keen  anguish  of  his  grief  Roderic  scarcely 
gave  this  a  second  thought,  but  later  on  it  loomed  up  be- 
fore his  vision  as  he  saw  how  Cleo  avoided  him  and  how 
she  blushed  furiously  whenever  he  glanced  at  her. 

Thus  he  knew  an  explanation  was  absolutely  neces- 
sary, and  not  being  the  man  to  avoid  duty  he  had  a  long 
interview  with  his  cousin. 

It  was  arranged  that  Roderic  should  go  away,  after 
poor  Georgia  had  been  buried  near  Ponce,  (where  Leon 
decided  should  be  the  final  resting  place  of  his  devoted  sis- 
ter,) and  not  see  Cleo  again  for  six  months — if  at  the  end 
of  that  time  he  could  come  to  her  and  honestly  confess  a 
positive  growth  of  the  love  he  had  always  entertained  for 
her,  she  would  consent  to  become  his  wife. 

That  was  all. 

They  had  not  been  interfered  with  in  leaving  San  Juan 
harbor,  and  a  safe  landing  was  made  on  the  southern 
shore  of  Porto  Rico  where  the  stars  and  stripes  already 
floated  over  the  land  that  fate  intended  should  be  one  of 
the  fairest  gems  upon  Columbia's  diadem. 

After  the  simple  ceremony  that  marked  the  funeral  of 
the  beautiful  girl,  Roderic  thought  life  was  a  blank  to 
him. 

He  joined  one  of  the  armies  of  occupation  and  saw  some 
hot  service  as  the  boys  in  blue  advanced  across  the  island 
toward  San  Juan,  always  driving  the  Spaniards  before, 
yet  each  day  finding  the  task  more  difficult. 

Utterly  reckless  in  his  present  state  of  mind,  Roderic 
rushed  into  the  jaws  of  death  once  too  often — if  his  mad 
desire  was  to  follow  his  poor  Georgia  across  the  borders 
of  eternity  he  came  very  near  accomplishing  it  one  day 
when,  with  a  few  chosen  spirits  he  cleared  a  rocky  emi- 
nence of  Spanish  bushwhackers  lying  in  wait  for  the  Yan- 
kee advance  guard. 


WHEN  THE  SPANISH  FLAG  LEFT  PORTO  RICO.          287 

The  field  doctor  actually  gave  him  up  for  lost,  but  he 
was  carried  back  to  the  town  of  Ponce  in  an  old  volante 
found  at  a  farmer's,  relic  of  days  long  gone  by,  and  not 
the  most  comfortable  vehicle  of  transportation  in  the 
world  for  a  pain-racked  hero,  but  infinitely  better  than 
nothing. 

Here,  in  the  hospital  they  found  that  he  had  one  chance 
in  a  dozen  if  carefully  nursed,  and  behold,  who  should 
appear  at  the  side  of  his  cot  but  Cleo,  the  girl  he  had  be- 
lieved a  thousand  miles  away  on  pleasure  bent ;  yes  Cleo, 
who,  finding  there  was  need  of  nurses  to  look  after  the 
sick  and  wounded  heroes  among  the  Regulars  and  Vol- 
unteers, "her  own  boys"  as  she  called  them,  had  quickly 
chosen  to  let  the  voyage  wait  and  devote  herself  to  the 
ministration  of  angelic  duties. 

How  they  worshiped  her,  those  wounded  and  fever 
stricken  fellows  to  whom  her  presence  brought  such  com- 
fort as  she  wrote  letters,  read  cheering  words  and  waited 
upon  them. 

Many  a  heart  asked  Heaven's  choicest  blessings  to  fol- 
low her. 

And  Cleo  had  her  reward  when  she  found  Roderic  on  a 
cot  of  pain. 

Her's  was  the  blessed  hand  that  sustained  him,  her's 
the  cheery  face  that  bending  above  gave  him  new  desire  to 
live. 

Of  course  he  survived,  else  had  this  over  true  tale 
never  been  written;  but  it  was  a  hard  struggle,  and  the 
good  army  surgeon  solemnly  assured  Roderic  he  had  posi- 
tively been  a  dead  man  only  for  the  unremitting  and  gentle 
care  of  his  sweet  nurse. 

It  was  so  ordered  by  Divine  Providence. 

Roderic  found  out  the  truth — found  that  he  did  really 


288         WHEN  THE  SPANISH  FLAG  LEFT  PORTO  RICO. 

and  sincerely  love  this  brave  girl  from  Virginia,  not  with 
the  tempestuous  affection  such  as  he  had  felt  for  Georgia, 
— no  woman  on  earth  could  ever  again  arouse  such  a 
passion  within  his  heart,  but  with  a  steadfast  zeal  that 
must  grow  with  the  passage  of  time  until  it  became  the 
sum  and  total  of  his  existence. 

By  the  time  Roderic  was  well  enough  to  be  moved  San 
Juan  had  come  into  the  hands  of  the  Americans,  a  protocol 
having  been  signed  anticipating  peace  between  the  two 
nations,  now  at  war  for  the  first  time  in  their  history. 

Porto  Rico  was  a  part  of  the  United  States — the  days 
of  Spain's  dominion  had  passed  and  would  return  no 
more. 

It  was  necessary  that  Roderic  be  moved  north,  for  re- 
covery would  be  more  rapid  in  a  cooler,  bracing  atmos- 
phere. 

Cleo's  beautiful  steam  yacht  still  lay  in  the  harbor 
awaiting  her  pleasure. 

No  one  may  ever  know  who  suggested  the  thing,  but 
that  mattered  little,  since  such  a  union  was  a  foregone 
conclusion ;  but  one  day  a  little  ceremony  was  performed 
in  Roderic's  room  at  the  hotel,  and  Cleo  changed  her  name 
— Miss  Fairfax  of  Virginia  was  no  more — enter  Mrs. 
Roderic  Owen. 

Thus  Roderic  brushed  all  scruples  aside — as  the  hus- 
band of  the  owner  of  the  yacht  he  could  sail  in  her  forever 
without  arousing  comment. 

Weak  as  he  was  he  and  Cleo  drove  to  the  grave  of  his 
lost  love  and  mingled  their  tears  with  the  beautiful  flow- 
ers they  spread  upon  it. 

No,  Roderic  could  never  forget  her — he  would  be  less 
than  a  man  to  dream  of  trying,  and  no  doubt  once  in  a 
while  a  yearning  would  arise  in  his  heart  that  could  not 


WHEN  THE  SPANISH  FLAG  LEFT  PORTO  RICO.          289 

be  kept  down,  for  in  imagination  he  could  feel  her  arms 
about  his  neck,  her  passionate  kisses  upon  his  lips. 

But  that  will  come  and  go  as  a  vague  dream. 

His  wife  is  the  sweetest  and  noblest  woman  in  all  the 
wide  world,  her  devotion  to  him  is  the  envy  of  all  his 
bachelor  friends  and  Roderic  declares  himself  the  happiest 
benedict  in  existence. 

To  Cleo  the  memory  of  Georgia  is  sacred,  and  she  often 
brings  up  the  subject  herself,  being  singularly  free  from 
jealousy. 

Roderic  met  Julio  in  Ponce  at  the  time  he  was  saying 
good-bye  to  Leon  and  his  wife ;  the  ex-toreador  and  beau 
of  San  Juan  was  thinking  of  migrating  to  Spain,  since  he 
could  not  hope  to  win  many  fresh  laurels  in  a  land  where 
the  stars  and  stripes  waved,  and  where  men  had  a  stern 
code  of  morals  for  such  sad  flirts  as  he. 

Of  General  Porfidio,  Roderic  had  seen  quite  consider- 
able while  in  the  hospital,  and  the  old  warrior  will  always 
have  a  warm  place  in  Roderic's  heart;  nor  can  he  ever 
forget  that  awful  duel  with  swords  in  the  East  India 
bungalow  of  Rathmines  road,  Dublin. 

As  for  Jerome,  doubtless  he  is  working  the  European 
capitals — perhaps  should  he  meet  one  Joel  Darby  on  his 
rounds,  the  latter  might  kindly  give  him  points  concern- 
ing the  combination  with  which  he  broke  the  bank  at 
Monte  Carlo. 


THE  END. 


A  ••""•in  mill/Ill  f 

000  097  969 


